Williams announces 2026 Festival of Speed line-up: Damon Hill to reunite with title-winning FW18

The Williams Formula 1 team will be attending the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will take place from 9-12 July. 

Team principal James Vowles, 1996 champion and ambassador Damon Hill, reserve driver Luke Browning and three-time W Series champion and ambassador Jamie Chadwick will all appear at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Hill will be reunited with his title-winning FW18, which will feature on the iconic hillclimb. The former driver will also be honoured on the Goodwood House balcony.

"Goodwood is an incredibly special event that showcases the best of British motorsport, and it’s an honour to be taking on the hillclimb alongside Damon, Jamie and Luke this year," Vowles said.

"To see Damon reunited with the FW18 as we mark 30 years since his world drivers’ championship is hugely meaningful for the team and for motorsport fans. Moments like these bring together our past, present and future, and that’s something we’re proud to celebrate."

Hill added: "I am delighted and very excited to be reunited with my championship-winning FW18 and Williams who made it all possible at this summer's Festival of Speed. To see the car return to Goodwood 30 years later, and to share that moment with the fans, is truly amazing. Thanks to the team at Grove for their work in getting the FW18 back on track. I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel!"

Damon Hill, Team Ambassador, Williams, and Luke Browning, Williams, pose for a photo on the fan stage.

Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images

The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, also said:
"Formula 1 has been an essential part of the Festival of Speed since the very early days, and Williams were one of the first teams to appear, way back in 1994.

"Our fans are passionate about modern F1, but also knowledgeable about the sport’s history, and I know they'll be delighted to see Atlassian Williams F1 Team across the weekend. It will be fantastic to see James, Jamie and Luke in action, but the most special moment for me will be honouring Damon, on the 30th anniversary of his World Championship.

"Damon has been an ambassador since the first Festival of Speed and remains one of Goodwood’s most loyal supporters. I am immensely grateful to Williams F1 Team - Heritage for their support in restoring and preparing the FW18 for this special moment."