Williams the first F1 team to confirm 2026 Festival of Speed plans

The car Hill drove to the title in 1996, the Williams FW18, will be called into action once again for a series of runs up the famous Goodwood Hill across the Festival of Speed weekend. Williams F1 Team Heritage has completed a painstaking restoration on the car to bring it right back up to its original specification. 

Powered by a 3.0-litre V10 engine producing 710PS (522kW) and screaming up to 16,000rpm, the FW18 with its iconic Rothmans livery is one of the most recognisable F1 cars in history, particularly for British fans who were watching on as Hill crossed the finish line to become World Champion in Suzuka. 

The car claimed 12 wins in that 1996 season, eight for Hill and four for his team-mate Jacques Villeneuve, as Williams swept to a dominant Constructors’ Championship victory. 

“It’s a privilege to be driving the FW18 with Williams after achieving so much together in 1996,” Hill said ahead of the event. “To see the car return to Goodwood 30 years later, and to share that moment with the fans, is truly amazing.” 

Hill recently rejoined the Williams fold as an ambassador for the team, and he’ll be joined at the Festival of Speed by Team Principal James Vowles, who returns to Goodwood after experiencing Nigel Mansell’s FW14B in 2025. 

Vowles will get his chance behind the wheel of the FW18 in 2026, as he continues to work on bringing Williams back up to the sharp end of the Formula 1 grid. 

Williams Reserve and Super Formula driver Luke Browning will also be in action on the Hill as he makes his Festival of Speed debut, while the team’s F1 Academy Advisor Jamie Chadwick will return to Goodwood following previous appearances with Williams in 2023 and ‘25. 

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

“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.” 

Alongside his driving duties on the Hill, the 1996 World Champion will also be honoured with a balcony celebration at Goodwood House on Saturday 11^th July during the 2026 Festival of Speed. 

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are on sale. Saturday and four-day passes are now sold out and Friday tickets are limited. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, joining the Fellowship means you can save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoy a whole host of other on-event perks.

Goodwood photography by Joe Harding.