Damon Hill explains why Williams replaced him after 1996 title

Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill has reflected on why Williams Racing decided to replace him following his 1996 championship victory. Despite winning the title, Hill was informed during the 1996 season that he would not return for 1997, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen chosen as his successor.

Hill attributes the decision to a strategic shift in the sport’s commercial landscape. He noted that the rise of Michael Schumacher had caused a significant market movement toward Germany, making the acquisition of a German driver a priority for marketing purposes.

Additionally, Hill believes the team was looking toward a future partnership with BMW, which eventually materialized in 2000. He suggests that securing a German driver like Frentzen was a key component of the strategy to align with both the growing German market and potential engine suppliers.