After Sky Sports, Damon Hill is looking for a new challenge in F1

Damon Hill and Sky Sports F1, it’s over! After 13 years of good and loyal service as a consultant and commentator, the 1996 world champion announced his departure from the British channel at the end of 2024. On his social media, Damon Hill shared a touching farewell message: I’ve had 13 fantastic years with Sky Sports F1, but all good things must come to an end. I will miss the most impressive group of professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. I’m looking forward to new challenges.

According to the Mirror, negotiations between Hill and Sky had been ongoing for some time, but no agreement was reached. Sky was reportedly looking to rejuvenate its team with younger and fresher names. A situation that clearly did not compel Hill to cling on.

A segment on Network 10 in Australia

But don’t panic, we haven’t heard the last of Damon Hill! The Briton is already bouncing back and joining Network 10, the Australian broadcaster, for the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne. He confirmed the news to the Telegraph: “I have received a few offers. So I am part of Network 10 for the season opener in Melbourne.”

A first project, but one that seems more like a one-shot than a real long-term comeback. Because Hill said it himself: “I don’t really want to travel the world just staying in the paddock. It has to be something that touches your soul, you know?” He’s looking for more than just a consultant role. And he already has some ideas…

Damon Hill admits it frankly: he never felt completely comfortable in his role at Sky. « My role at Sky always felt like wearing an ill-fitting suit. » A sentence that speaks volumes about his feelings after more than a decade on air.

He explains that on set, he didn’t have enough time to express himself fully: “I didn’t feel like I could express everything I wanted, as I am doing now in this interview, because I didn’t have the time. I mean, they are brilliant in this field. But there are people much better than me in this domain.” So, after forcing himself a bit to be a TV analyst for 13 years, Damon Hill now wants something more meaningful.

A future as a mentor or in a team?

What options are available to him? Hill mentioned several possibilities, and the idea of returning to F1 in a different role interests him. « I only did it temporarily and ended up doing it for 12 or 13 years! », he said, speaking about his role as an analyst. Clearly, he aspires to something else.

Hill remains a Formula 1 enthusiast and doesn’t intend to step away from it anytime soon. So, we can expect to see him again soon, but in a different role. In the paddock, but more behind a microphone. Perhaps in a key role with a team or mentoring an emerging young talent.

The future of Damon Hill is still uncertain, but one thing is for sure: we haven’t heard the last of him!