Despite bidding farewell to Sky F1 after the 2024 season, Damon Hill, the 1996 World Champion, isn’t quite ready to hang up his racing gloves. Far from imagining a quiet retirement on the green, Hill is eager to jump back into the fray, eyeing a position within one of the Formula 1 teams. This career shift, he believes, would be a better utilization of his talents compared to his stint in F1 punditry.
Hill has been a mainstay of Sky F1’s broadcasting team since 2012, when the network secured exclusive live broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, 2024 marked his final season with the broadcaster. His last year was a rollercoaster ride, with his controversial remarks about Max Verstappen, the four-time World Champion, on the Sky F1 podcast causing quite a stir. Verstappen’s racing tactics in a clash with title contender Lando Norris in Mexico led Hill to question the former’s ability to race fairly. He went as far as comparing Verstappen to the notorious cartoon villain, Dick Dastardly, from the Wacky Races series.
Now, Hill is set to join Network 10, an Australian broadcaster, for the season opener in Melbourne. However, he’s candid about his reluctance to simply be a bystander in the paddock. He’s looking for a role that actively engages his intellect. “It’s got to be something that uses your bonce, you know? I can’t just stand there and wait for a question to be asked. It doesn’t do it for me,” he stated.
Reflecting on his time with Sky F1, Hill confessed that he felt out of place, like wearing an “ill-fitting suit.” He felt constrained by the time constraints, unable to fully express his insights and expertise. Though he commended the Sky team’s proficiency, he felt there were others better suited to the role of punditry. What was supposed to be a temporary job, ended up spanning over a decade.
So, what’s the next pit stop for Hill? He sees himself most comfortable in a role that puts his wealth of Formula 1 experience into play. He envisions contributing to a Formula 1 team, helping them race towards success. “I would love that,” he confirmed. “I’m a natural competitor and I’d love to be involved again in trying to help someone or something be competitive. That’s what I understand really.”
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, Hill’s expertise and competitive spirit could indeed prove invaluable. As he gears up for this new phase, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see where this champion racer steers his career next.