DAMON HILL

Damon Hill is one of only 33 drivers to have won the Formula 1 world championship. As a driver, he went toe-to-toe with all-time greats like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, and remains a key part of the grand prix paddock today through his punditry role with Sky Sports F1. Yet he’s an unassuming character who almost seems surprised to be interviewed, as if what he has to say doesn’t carry weight. Yet as he makes his way down the paddock for his rendezvous with F1 Racing in Racing Point’s hospitality unit, he’s stopped at regular intervals to pass comment on the talking points of the day. There’s one simple reason for that, he’s worth listening to.

Now 58, there’s no sign of Hill losing respect for the latest generation of drivers, many of whom have supplied questions for F1 Racing to put to him. He’s also a thinker, someone who always has an interesting perspective or unusual insight to bring to the table rather than the derisory better-back-then soundbites a few retired greats might favour. And he certainly has a healthy respect for today’s drivers.

“These guys now, they’re so mature so young, I’m flabbergasted,” he says, settling into the surroundings of the Racing