Damon Hill announces new job with F1 team replacing Jenson Button | F1 | Sport

Damon Hill has been confirmed as a new ambassador of the Williams Formula 1 team. His appointment comes after Jenson Button walked away from his former outfit to take up a similar role at Aston Martin, where he has linked up once again with Honda who he drove for in F1 for many years in the season leading up to his 2009 title-winning campaign with Brawn GP.

Button also drive for Williams in his career and returned to the Grove-based outfit as an ambassador in 2021. It was confirmed earlier this month, however, that the 46-year-old had decided to join Aston Martin, leaving 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve and triple W Series champion Jamie Chadwick as Williams’ two ambassadors.

But they are now back up to three following confirmation that Hill, in the 30th anniversary year since he became world champion in a Williams car, has agreed to rejoin his old team. He reuinites with his old team-mate Villeneuve in the role, alongside Chadwick who also has additional responsibility as an adviser to Williams’ F1 Academy driver Jade Jacquet.

Hill said: “Williams is truly a special place for me and where some of the defining moments of my career took place. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this sport and to have achieved what I did and returning as an ambassador is a real privilege. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the team’s history and help to support its legacy and future.”

Team principal James Vowles added: “It’s an honour to welcome Damon back to Atlassian Williams F1 Team as an ambassador. Few individuals represent this team quite like him. Damon played a defining role in one of the most successful eras in our history, becoming a world champion with Williams and leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the team today.

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“We’re also delighted that Jamie Chadwick and Jacques Villeneuve will continue with us as ambassadors. Together, they form an impressive line-up that reflects everything Williams stands for: our history, our commitment to opening doors and developing talent, and our ambition to compete at the very highest level again. Having figures like them representing Williams as we move forward is something we’re immensely proud of.”

Regarding his move away from Williams to join Aston Martin, Button spoke of how he was swayed by the prospect of working closely with Honda again on an F1 project. He said: “Joining Aston Martin Aramco during such a transformative time in the team and the sport’s history is really exciting for me.

“Honda’s new works partnership with the team was a huge draw and I look forward to bringing my years of experience working with them to my new role as ambassador. The 2026 season is going to be fascinating and being part of such an ambitious team is a real opportunity. I can’t wait for Melbourne.”