[Video] Damon Hill reunited with his first F1 winner
The last car to win the Formula 1 championship before the FIA ban on electronic aids, the Williams FW15C is often regarded as the most technologically sophisticated Grand Prix racer of all time.
The FW15C featured active suspension, antilock brakes, traction control, fly-by-wire throttle, power steering, pneumatic valves and a transmission that could operate fully automatically unless overridden by the driver. A CVT-equipped version was even tested. Alain Prost described it as a ‘little Airbus’.
Starting the car required separate laptops to be connected to the engine, suspension and telemetry systems. During the race the driver could also access a ‘Push to Pass’ system which caused the rear suspension to raise the rear of the car, reducing drag from the diffuser and simultaneously loosening the rev limiter to provide an extra 300rpm.
Powered by the dominant Renault RS5 V10, the car annihilated the competition during the 1993 season, driven by Alain Prost and Damon Hill. The two drivers were of such different stature that separate chassis had to be designed for them, Hill needed a larger pedal box to accommodate his size 12 feet. It gave Hill his first Grand Prix win at Hungary, followed in succession by two more in Belgium and Italy. It was Alain Prost who dominated however with seven wins, including the season opener and five more podium places.
Reunited with the car for the first time, Damon makes quick work of the Goodwood Hill.