In early 2026, Williams Heritage completed a detailed restoration of the Williams FW18, the car that secured the 1996 Formula 1® World Championship. This project marked 30 years since the FW18’s dominant season, culminating in Damon Hill’s Drivers’ Championship and Williams’ Constructors’ title. The restored chassis was presented and driven at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, reuniting the iconic car with its 1996 champion.
The FW18 was a standout machine in the 1996 season, achieving 12 pole positions, 12 wins, and 21 podium finishes across 16 Grands Prix. Designed by Patrick Head and Adrian Newey, it played a crucial role in Williams’ success that year. Damon Hill clinched the Drivers’ Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix, with teammate Jacques Villeneuve also contributing to the team’s achievements. The restoration focused on chassis number 4, carried out by the Williams Heritage department under Jonathan Kennard’s leadership over approximately five months.
The restoration process involved stripping the FW18 down to its bare chassis, followed by repainting and servicing all mechanical and hydraulic components. This included suspension, gearbox, fuel system, and radiators, ensuring the car’s authenticity by referencing original engineers’ notes and archival materials. Several mechanics who worked on the FW18 in 1996, such as Ian Mellor and Colin Watts, took part in the restoration and reunion events, adding a layer of historical continuity to the project.
Damon Hill’s drive of the restored FW18 at Goodwood was a significant moment, reflecting his strong emotional connection to the car. He praised its performance and handling, highlighting how the FW18 remained a remarkable example of Formula 1® engineering from that era. Williams team principal James Vowles also had the opportunity to drive the car at the event, commending both the vehicle and the Heritage team’s meticulous work.
The Williams Heritage department continues to focus on preserving the team’s legacy, with plans to celebrate Williams’ 50th anniversary in 2027 by showcasing as many historic cars as possible in running condition. This restoration of the FW18 serves as a reminder of one of the most successful chapters in Williams’ history and offers fans a chance to connect with a defining moment in the sport’s past.
By bringing the FW18 back to life, Williams Heritage not only honours the achievements of Damon Hill and the 1996 team but also preserves an important piece of Formula 1® history for future generations to appreciate.