Damon Hill: Letter To My Younger Self

[@jonycas2000]

Imagine racing Senna, Prost, Nigel, and bloody Michael and still win races and a world championship.

[@tommasoferrini2809]

Yeah that was one of the best f1 eras ever

[@jonycas2000]

@@tommasoferrini2809 same

[@truckatadders]

Indeed, and he wasn't too shabby at it 👏👏

[@23entertainment97]

In 1996 he had NO competition whatsoever. Biggest rival was the rookie Villeneuve in his own team who got Pole and only didn’t win his very first F1 race for a technical issue. Team order was clear, hill was the number 1 driver. Still Villeneuve won like 4 gps that year. Mansell, Prost and Senna didn’t drive in 96. Yes Schumacher was there but the Ferrari wasn’t yet. So Hill “only” won the WC because he was at the right place at the right time, just like jenson button. Still, I’m not hating on Hill, he’s a class guy and he still got it done, unlike coulthart. Every WC is worthy imo, you Just need to put it in perspective.

[@rcurtis7583]

@@23entertainment97 Agreed with you on '96, just as Jenson was lucky enough to be in the best seat in '09. I regard 1994 as Hill's best season by far; carried the team after Imola, produced some legendary drives (Suzuka) and literally battled like a lion right up until he was wiped out by Schumacher in Adelaide. In my head I regard him as the true champion of 1994, although I'm sure in some parallel universe he won that race properly and the WDC.

[@zachjo1457]

Rallied Williams after Senna’s accident the way his father picked Lotus back up after Clark passed, happy he got his championship in ‘96

[@wabba67]

I feel like his rise from the poor performance in parts of 1995 is also quite remarkable. Stuff like crashing into Schumacher at Monza, going out twice in Suzuka, losing the championship again, and then coming back to win by two laps at Adelaide (and continuing in 1996) is extraordinary.

[@F-Man]

And his thanks for all of that was to be canned by Frank Williams. So happy that Williams are failing so hard now - biggest self-righteous morons in Formula 1.

[@waty0usay1]

Imagine driving the fastest car and not winning the championship.

[@GryphLane]

And then they dropped him 😞

[@empress_alex]

@@F-Man You're a bundle of joy aren't you?

[@WindWolf28]

D. Hill: "Don't let Jacques Villeneuve steal your chicken" F. Alonso : "Don't let Jolyon Palmer cut the chicken"

[@Luisml8]

that made my laugh so hard seriously

[@mattiacraman4011]

Well done! 🤣🤣🤣

[@valentino1237]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lucascavalcantecosta117]

A yoke!

[@nettoflorestal]

K. Raikkonen: "Keep going. You know what you are doing."

[@markhenley3097]

''If Michael Schumacher suddenly crashes at Australia 1994, don't try to overtake him.''

[@francescozizza6498]

Said who?

[@SIDYfe4r]

@iRacecraft When will it be not XD

[@TheConfidentNoob]

@@francescozizza6498 r/wooooosh

[@Deniz1923]

Sadly, he didn't see him crash into the wall. All he saw was, he rounded a corner, and there was his championship rival slow in the middle of the track, ripe for an overtake. How could he have known Michael was plotting an ambush... That said, I do to this day still think Schumacher should be stripped of that title and Damon should be awarded. That has it's own problems since that season was extremely political; for example the benetton team and Schumacher were caught red handed using a banned driving aid (launch control, and possibly traction control as well) and were never officially punished for it. Schumacher was given a 3 race ban for overtaking Hill on the formation lap of the British GP and ignoring the subsequent black flag, but in all likelihood that had something to do with LC and TC. Benetton did plenty of sketchy stuff under the rule of Flavio Briatore( surprise surprise), like fiddling with the refueling system which caused some of the team's mechanics to burn at the German GP.

[@TrickyMario7654]

Deniz1923 Expect Schumacher was hit with BS penalties throughout the season to try and stop him running away with the championship.

[@timmyvicario]

Damon Hill is the literal meaning of hard work and perseverance.

[@Kubickz]

THE REAL WORKING CLASS CHAMPION

[@rick.05]

A Working class hero is something to be, hope you get the reference

[@waty0usay1]

He might've worked hard, but he had no talent, he only won in 96 because Ferrari was nowhere near as fast and Jacques was new to F1.

[@areebsiddiqui758]

@@waty0usay1 Salty? He deserved it after the way Michael cheated in Australia 94.

[@GryphLane]

@@waty0usay1 Er, no. He had more talent than most on the grid of the time. He deserved more. He deserves more respect.

[@JippaJ]

This brings me to tears. THE most Gentleman F1 Champion since colour TV.

[@ziulcast]

What about Jenson Button? Just asking

[@drybones7475]

The original s🅱inalla

[@Ben-gb9qr]

Damon and Vettel.

[@nickbutler9384]

We're talking about a driver who has won 19% of his races.... far more than even Niki Lauda (14.23%), Fernando Alonso (10%) or even his own dad.. Graham Hill. Infact, more than double than his dad (8%) I've studied a lot about a lot of drivers, but no one is such as underrated as Damon Hill.

[@animalcol1]

Absolutely spot on. And Williams didn't treat him too well either. Pity, he deserved better.

[@beavf1]

Well put, unfortunately it always falls on deaf ears and nay sayers. Just look at the performance in the Arrows at Hungary 1997, I know Diniz wasnt exactly the best in comparison but in the same equipment he was no-where.

[@ColinBowen]

Great stats. I didn't know that, thanks.

[@Durptankgobrrr]

@@ColinBowen used to have the same win ratio as Jim Clark before he went to arrows. Not bad eh? XD

[@drybones7475]

Because he spent most of his career in Adrian Newey's cars.

[@TheConfidentNoob]

Damon (referencing Murray Walker): I'm going to have to stop because I've got a lump in my throat Me: I HAVE got a lump in my throat. This was the most touching "Letter To My Younger Self" that I've ever watched.

[@iceman20071]

Me, a non native english speaker: What the fuck is a lump?

[@ColinBowen]

@@iceman20071 'Lump in my throat' refers to the feeling you get when you're just about to cry from emotions happy emotions.

[@iceman20071]

@@ColinBowen Thanks!

[@TheConfidentNoob]

Colin Bowen It can also be sad emotions too, not just happy emotions

[@JJ-zg1hh]

I've watched this many times now - I'm fighting that lump every time!

[@jennygw1883]

There aren't many true gentlemen. Damon is absolutely one of them.

[@WesleyAlves42]

''Don't be too scared of girls''. Thanks Damon !

[@ajracing1246]

Damon is such a humble guy. He talks like he hasn't won the most prized championship in all of motorsport. He was a brilliant driver but an even better human

[@AJT296]

Started watching F1 in 93/94 and Damon Hill is my favourite driver of all time. Not the greatest of all time but held his own against Schumi plenty of times and had so much class and dignity. He worked so hard against such adversity (like finding out via an Autosport article he was getting cut at the end of the year) he thoroughly deserved that title.

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣

[@wovengoal6641]

One of the greatest British drivers to step foot in formula one an idol to many.

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣

[@Nathan-bd6cq]

Dry Bones What? By getting crashed into? Edit: Jesus, you sure have it out for Damon you’ve commented that same sentence around 5 times.

[@drybones7475]

@@Nathan-bd6cq He crashes a lot by himself in 1994 and 1995.

[@Nathan-bd6cq]

Dry Bones He also lost a championship by getting crashed into by a another driver in 1994. You’re gonna have to be more specific about 95’ though, if you’re referring to the incidents that I think you’re referring to, then yeah Silverstone is his fault but Monza? I’m pretty sure Taki Inoue himself said he was to blame for getting in both of their ways. Edit: Jesus Christ I went to rewatch Silverstone and there you are again!

[@Real28]

I LOVE these videos. Damon did really have to drive against the best of the best. And WHAT a reference to Murray's "lump in my throat." Glory days they were.

[@Kraven83]

This was beautiful. Damon is a great person, firstly, and a worthy f1 champion, secondly. Always loved his style.

[@studenastrana273]

Damon is huge inspiration, he never gave up, he never stoped his hard work and he overcome his fears. What a legend!

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣

[@RandomGuy-dw7hf]

Underrated driver and, although I’m too young to have seen him race, one of my favourites

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣

[@lucasbailey8878]

I was never a big fan of Damon as I always followed Michael, but this video made me give him boundless respect.

[@Francoberry]

A fantastic driver and always respectful and well spoken. True gent

[@MarioMeesb]

It's interesting to how Murray Walker cheered Damon Hill so enthusiastically.

[@waty0usay1]

Because they were family friends.

[@hussaynshah7105]

No, he like Michael Schumacher.

[@pete8216]

@@lukemallory7832 that was a nice sentiment until you ruined it at the end with the "kids these days"

[@drybones7475]

Because Damon Hill is British

[@SIXITHS]

@@lukemallory7832 You might want to look into Kevin Magnussen or Ocon's paths to F1...

[@peterobertson1457]

Humility and dignity. Well done Damon.👍

[@marcdegraeve4328]

What a brilliant video, I've always admired Damon's humility. It's an utter travesty how Williams treated him in 1996, and replacing him with Frentzen turned out to be a catastrophe too.

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

One of the most touching moments I've ever seen. A lump in the throat was in mine after Murray but before you. Damon Hill you are a legend because of all you had to lose before you could win, and the rational fear that you had to conquer, since those that came before you, had no fear, because if they had been rational, there's no way they would have ever raced those cars they had to. In those days all champions must have been a little insane. Your father would be so proud of you, as I'm sure your family have always been. Damon Hill... 0 to World Champion, and I think I'm going to have to stop now, Murray Walker just brought back so many memories.

[@littleblackcloud86]

This was very touching. I started watching Formula one aged 6 in 1992 and to this day, Damon is still my favourite driver. Tenacious, tough and far more talented than people ever give him credit for. He went toe to toe with Michael Schumacher and won a world championship. Not many drivers have, or can do, that.

[@mickf1983]

One of the most underrated drivers in F1 history

[@pranees]

damon "the ultimate enemy"...man damon i love u after all these years...these days i miss both micheal & you for the sheer anger,pain and joy u both gave us...thanks man

[@urban69ljf]

Damon Hill deserved it for never giving up, whilst in his fathers footsteps .....

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣

[@林泰平-q3u]

We just had Damon.Please d Jacques and Mika too please

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣

[@adammodan8030]

Dry Bones are you joking. He had to race against a cheater in a cheating team and had to get Williams all back on track after Senna died. Also, until France when Williams got a good upgrade which made the car drivable and faster than the benneton, the car had no chance of winning the championship. How Senna put that car on pole each time I don’t know

[@drybones7475]

@@adammodan8030 The Williams was good enough to win both titles, but Damon Hill was nowhere near Senna's level. Schumi got DSQ and got 2 race bans for something which was done by other drivers without any penalty.

[@PedanticGaming]

'Having some of your finest moments narrated by the greatest hype-man in racing history also helps' :) Damon and Murray, legends both

[@carlosbessa2510]

Thank you, Damon. From a very shy and insecure boy, who grew up to be a better man inspired by your strength and perseverance. From the bottom of my heart. All the best..

[@prokopisboliotis9214]

I got goosebumps brother... that was not just a message for younger hill but for all the young people!

[@justinmontgomery6154]

Please bring this series back!!!! We need the likes of Seb Vettel, Mark Webber, Coulthard, Jos Verstappen, Nigel Mansell, Martin Brundle!!! So many amazingly tantalizing characters that we want to hear from PLEASE

[@Ryawa_Shpoora]

One of the ones that are much, much closer to the edge of the knife but still humble human beings. A winner in all aspects. Cheers!

[@DocTight]

Damon was my favorite driver from the very beginning, when I started watching F1 as an 11 year old in 1994. Even then I felt that he may not be the most naturally gifted driver, but very hard working, down to earth and hugely more sympathetic than other drivers at the time *cough*. I admit, I was appalled by the extremely biased F1 coverage by our German TV station RTL, which favored the local hero in a way best described as embarassing. I'd love to meet Damon one day and thank him for the entertainment and life lessons he unknowingly provided me with, but for now I've got to stop, because I got a lump in my throat. :-)

[@benwilliams5760]

I started later in '98 but at the same age! Obviously a few years too late to see him at his very best but I just put a comment on here about how similar he was to Hakkinen in terms of how fierce but humble he was in equal measure. Both true gents too and also both kept Michael honest.

[@animalcol1]

Lovely messages, both 👍

[@drybones7475]

I think that Damon Hill was far from being the best driver on the grid.

[@divianpapiah1]

Thanks Damon for sharing. Truly inspirational. Loved watching you race in 90’s. I was heartbroken when that wishbone broke in 94. You should have been a double world champion.

[@jacksalami9945]

Beautiful, really nice, well done Damon

[@adamhampshire9149]

You were a force to be reckoned with on the track; however, Damon, you were brilliant and you deserve to called brilliant. You were racing amongst giants and you proved you were better than them on so many occasions. Thank you for the memories and bless you and your family.

[@Nick18Racing]

These “A letter to my younger self” are way too far apart from each other. I love these.

[@midnightcowboy3611]

I always felt that Damon even surprised himself with how talented he was. It must have been incredibly difficult to have had such a larger than life father to live up to. To rise above all that and achieve his dream is admirable to say the least.

[@wahmar1]

Great video Damon! As a German F1 fan, and although supporting Michael later, I am a big fan of yours since the start of your Williams career in 1993. So happy you won the well-deserved world championship. I am still treasuring the 1996 Damon Hill T-shirt that I own for 25 years now. Happy anniversary Damon !!

[@primaveraimages]

What a Gentleman and great Human Being

[@JustMeandMyTea]

13 year old me set an alarm got up and crept through a sleeping house and watched the Australian race live in the middle of the night, as i couldn't wait to see Our Damon as champion! I shall never forgive the Schumacher, for what he did that day to Damon, or for the subsequent shouting at i got from my mother ... for waking the house up with a rather loud exclamation of NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! and BULLS&!T !!!! I had that same lump in my throat as the great Murray on the day he first said it,as we watched him cross the line. And again today watching this beautiful video i was reminded of all the reasons Damon was such a Champion, both In and Out the car. Thank you Damon. :)

[@rudmanpaul2812]

I'm a couple of year older than you by the look of it so yeah.... lucky enough to have my own tv so no creeping about but a load of effing that woke the house🤣🏁

[@JustMeandMyTea]

@@rudmanpaul2812 The part that still makes me laugh to this day, after the rather stern berating about responsibility and the lack of thought and consideration for others, and language like that wasn't acceptable especially from a young lady... was the 30 seconds of oppressive silence afterwards, then my Fathers gruff sleepy voice... " Go on then, what did F-ing Shumacher do now?" He just Knew! That timing though hahahaha

[@eme5986]

Legend, Damon and his father were some of the great drivers that are underappreciated in F1 history glad they are both champions

[@Real28]

I dont think Graham is underappreciated at all. Graham is a LEGEND.

[@arturosmaglia4970]

@@Real28 still the only driver with the Triple Crown in history

[@waty0usay1]

Graham wasn't underappreciated, Damon is overappreciated.

[@kiasax2]

Damon Hill is one of my favorite F1 drivers of all time. He deserved at least one other Driver's Championship. Thank you for the thrills you brought all of us F1 fans. We are so fortunate to hear your commentaries. By the way, I loved your book, F1, Through the eYes of Damon Hill. It was fabulous.

[@drybones7475]

Damon Hill is the original s🅱inalla and the first one to show how to lose a championship with the best car 🤣🤣 And even in 96, rookie Villeneuve was better but had bad luck and bad reliability

[@SergioGollo]

Beautiful video. Damon wasn't the most skilled driver, but his efforts and perseverance made him a world champion. A truly inspiring story.

[@germanwombat]

Absolutaley brilliant! Thank you Damon!

[@aniakondracka4247]

I love this series. And Damon Hill.

[@utubedano]

I'd say this is one of, if not, the best "letter to your younger self" videos I've seen ever. 👌

[@DanilloMinanda]

The first champion I watched as the first F1 Championship I ever watched was The 1996's. Cheers, mate! You deserve all the success!!!

[@StephenLMW]

Damon is a great guy and a brilliant champion he deserved his one and only world title in 1996

[@Ben-gb9qr]

We want a moments of brilliance from Damon!

[@richiewillie2us]

One of the classiest drivers/sportsmen I've ever had the pleasure to follow.

[@davidfoster1762]

Here’s a Damon Hill story you won’t have heard. I am cutting some detail but on his 5th birthday , which he was sharing with a girl from his local school, so it’s 1995 , my son , Benjamin, and I ended up in the same room , at a local sports centre , with Damon Hill . DH was very much off duty , and kept in the background . He was godfather to the girl apparently. I asked Damon if I could take a photo of him with Benjamin. Certainly he said . But Benjamin was shy and reluctant. Damon saw Ben’s reluctance and then said “ Ben , can I have a photo taken with you ? “ Never forgotten that . Ben still said no !

[@vince065us]

I get a new respect for this man

[@andrejassvab8093]

Mr. Hill, you are one of the greatest. You made it. Thanks.

[@RalonsoF1]

Damon Hill, you were the man because of whom I started to watch and love F1 back in 1992. And for me, you will always be and remain the best for ever! Thank you!

[@harfangfc]

A true gentleman! Not every driver will be a Michael, Ayrton or Alain, but they can be the best possible if there's hard work e commitment. Damon did that and is a world champion. Your dad surely is a proud one. Nice job, my friend!

[@showtime951]

Love it. Absolutely love it. Cheers and God bless, Damon!

[@markopalikko6986]

That was really good.

[@simonmyklebust5416]

Kimi on this Bwoah it’s just gonna be a hobby for you

[@BerndDasBrot51]

Bwoah itsthesameforeverybody obviously

[@RA109E]

I wish I could sit down and talk with this man, or write a letter to him. I feel that I would be on the edge of my seat listening to every word he says. If anyone knows how to write him a letter then let me know.

[@MrCatseyes01]

There was something strangely likeable about Damon, a genuine good guy and marvelous ambassador for the UK. He deserved the wdc shame he never stuck around

[@animalcol1]

He did stick around? Was the chair of the BRDC and involved in some other motorsports ventures as well as being on Sky Sports F1

[@MRDJLINTON]

Thanks Damon, Formula 1 is the only sport I got emotionally involved with, my heart was with you through your ups/near misses/wins/breakdowns/Arrows and eventual World Champion. You were number 1 to me and to many many others.

[@JB026]

Thanks Damon, you were right around when I started watching Formula 1 as a teenager. I enjoyed the fights between yourself and Schumi. It takes a man to say the things you just said, much respect!

[@highonlife8180]

wow. inspirational Thank you Damon Hill for such lovely race craft.

[@navarro_xavier]

I never knew Damon Hill was so cool he’s a really nice guy

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

I have tremendous respect for him, to become F1 champion after having to paint walls as a young adult is an achievment bar none.

[@Billiamiscool]

I love Damon Hill, what a genuine, kind personality

[@Artificeral]

The word 'underrated' gets thrown around a lot these days, but Damon actually is underrated. So many podiums in the years with Williams, even before the 96 championship.

[@krdn38416]

That's right I never thought this from his side of the story but is the truth, he racing against the greatest racing drivers of all time and still winning.

[@chrishallracing]

Thank you Damon Hill, for being such an inspiration throughout my life. I grew up in a creative home, without much money. Interestingly My dad was a motorbike courier when I was young as I watched your journey unfold. I made models of your cars, followed all that you did on track. My first and only time I saw you on track was in 2002 at Donington Park, after me and a pal won tickets to the Minard charity event, the great Murray himself was doing circuit commentary. What a surprise and a joy. And now to see you professing such life truths and warm humanity. What a champion and a great guy. I hope our paths cross one of these days. Keep strumming that guitar DH

[@ColinBowen]

A legend quoting a legend. Wore last year's Williams cap today. Will wear Damon's 1996 cap tomorrow. GB FTW!

[@Loony007]

His autobiography is amazing

[@Luluxxxx]

Agree. One of the best I’ve ever read. So we’ll written, reflective and full of reality.

[@animalcol1]

Loved this. Always admired Damon. Met him briefly, and Georgie (a total lady!) in mondello park in Kildare , Ireland. Such a lovely man, very down to earth and generous with his time. Carlos sainz was there also, doing a demo in his corolla wrc, alongside Austin McHale in a Celica Gt4 (185). What a bloody great weekend! Thanks for the kindness on the day Damon, and the wonderful memories including the Jordan win. 1996. The best driver on the planet. Graham's boy did good 👏👏👍

[@apmm4209]

I remember watching the whole of damon's world championship winning season! Great memories ! Thanks Damon 😊

[@manos_moust]

Every one forgets the Hill-Schumacher rivarly which lasted from 94-96.

[@waty0usay1]

Because it only lasted 1 season.

[@animalcol1]

Not me. And it lasted 3 seasons.....

[@housesports000]

Man you can see Damon almost tearing up when he talk's about his dad's plane crash, the effect it had on him was so big

[@johnbaart8810]

Your one of the best drivers ever Damon al lot of people can say that ...thanks for all your races..

[@Loony007]

2:54 His face shows the density of his word

[@lazuardifirdaus1698]

"Dont go to Arrows"

[@rockzs74r]

He could have gone to McLaren or Ferrari that year but he chose backmarker

[@pgale]

Always feel Damon is underrated or brushed over when Champions are spoke of. No one can deny he raced against some of the best and held his own.

[@crimsonghost6454]

Brought tears to my eyes...a legend

[@spreewaldschurke]

What a great man, what a great driver. He totally earned that title!

[@tomfleming5767]

‘Your best win will be for Jordon at Spa in the best ever livery’

[@benwilliams5760]

Those Jordan's of '98-'99 looked (and I apologise) the absolute tits!

[@genedrakes686]

@@benwilliams5760 I have 2 F1 models and that is one of them! My letter to self ? Start Karting earlier! Was a washed up never was at 35 when I found out what I was good at!

[@truckatadders]

Hmmm, his almost win in the Arrows in 97 was a pretty special drive 😢😢

[@rhelenius3670]

Rainy Suzuka 1994...

[@drybones7475]

Thanks to team orders

[@benwilliams5760]

Damon Hill reminds me of Mika Hakkinen in many ways. Fierce, but utterly humble. Also both gave Michael a hard time!!

[@drybones7475]

Thanks to Adrian Newey

[@littleblackcloud86]

@@drybones7475 by using your ridiculous logic, you could argue Schumacher only did well thanks to Rory Byrne's designs at Benetton at the time.

[@The7yph00n]

there isnt a single driver after damon, as much a gentleman as him, that came after him.

[@EricTheBiker]

I love those portraits. What a pitty there are so many great names who never got the chance to write their letter to their younger selves.

[@secretagentbloke]

A true class act 👍🏻

[@JoshuaKJ5]

He simply is a legend!!! Damon Hill

[@Aries-dd3hu]

Damon Hill my true F1 hero since childhood and still! God bless you He thought me to fight fight fight till you rightfully win!

[@drybones7475]

Villeneuve was better than Damon Hill in 96 but had worse luck and worse reliability

[@thepriest143]

Awesome video! So emotional! So pure! Well done Damon and well done F1. Hats off!

[@עמיתויצמן-ע7ר]

Love Damon

[@sergiodavid5025]

Un campeon dentro y fuera de las pistas y que epoca mas buena tuvo Williams.

[@JJ-zg1hh]

Can't imagine Crofty ever commentating such emotion for one of today's drivers unfortunately. I remember the 'lump in my throat' quote live from Murray Walker when I was 15 - I knew how he felt as I was holding back the tears too!

[@rubeninniger8893]

Truly inspiring speech

[@paulmcdonald9592]

Heartwarming. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@davislinkaits6935]

I love these, want to hear some more from other drivers.

[@swimdeep189]

A great Man.He did it,he really did it...

[@33mojod]

I was a huge Schumacher fan but when he won in 96 I was super happy! Great guy

[@Jay-Kay-Em]

Wouldn’t consider myself a big DH fan but my, what a lovely piece. 🇬🇧