Hill departs Sky F1 punditry role after 13 years

Damon Hill has announced his exit from the Sky Sports Formula 1 presenting roster ahead of the 2024 season-ending triple-header.

The 1996 Formula 1 world champion had been a permanent fixture on the Sky Sports team since the broadcaster gained the rights to F1 from the BBC ahead of the 2012 season.

Writing on social media, the 64-year-old said: “It's been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1 but all good things come to an end.

“I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals it has ever been my pleasure to have worked with. Looking forward to new challenges.”

The news was also confirmed by Sky Sports, as its F1 director Billy McGinty said: “We thank Damon Hill for 13 incredible years with the Sky Sports F1 team.

"He has been an integral part of our coverage, bringing unparalleled insight, expertise, and passion to our broadcasts. His unique perspective, shaped by his own legendary racing career, has entertained and excited fans worldwide. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Hill scored 22 grand prix wins in a career that spanned stints at Brabham, Williams, Arrows and Jordan between 1992 and 1999.

PLUS: How Hill's steel lifted Williams post-Imola 1994 and carved out F1 glory

He was recently forced to deny that he had a “vendetta” against reigning champion Max Verstappen, after he criticised the Red Bull driver for his actions when battling Lando Norris at the Mexico Grand Prix.

Of the early-race move which forced Norris to take avoiding action by leaving the track, Hill said: "The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff.

“He accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn't have many options. That was silly driving.”

Sky F1 presenters Naomi Schiff, Damon Hill, and Natalie Pinkham in the pit lane

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

Hill’s farewell post was shared with a pair of images, one with driver turned commentator Martin Brundle, and another with Johnny Herbert, who left the Sky Sports team at the end of 2023 and has frequently held a driver steward role with the FIA this term.

Reacting to the news, Bernie Collins – Aston Martin’s former strategy engineer and part of the current Sky line-up – wrote: “I will personally miss you immensely! I’ve loved working with you over these past two seasons. Thank you for all the support. See you soon!”

F1TV broadcaster Will Buxton added: “Your insight was always unique, deep and inspiring. A big loss for the great team at Sky, but forever grateful the world was able to benefit from the many lessons of your career and your life. And, personally, thankful that over the past 13 years my hero became my friend.”