Damon Hill at a Glance
- Net Worth: $55 Million
- Profession: Former F1 World Champion, Broadcaster
- Date of Birth: September 17, 1960
- Birthplace: Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
What is Damon Hill’s Net Worth?
Damon Hill commands a net worth of $55 million. Unlike many modern drivers who secure generational wealth through a single contract, Hill’s fortune is the result of a tenacious three-decade grind in motorsport and media. His wealth is derived from a high-earning peak in Formula 1 during the late 1990s, smart post-racing business ventures, and a lucrative, long-term tenure as a premier pundit for Sky Sports.
While his early years in racing were funded by working as a laborer and motorcycle courier, his financial status transformed after winning the 1996 World Championship. Today, he stands as one of the wealthiest retired British athletes, with income streams diversifying beyond the track into publishing, automotive businesses, and broadcasting.
Early Life
Damon Hill’s journey to wealth is particularly compelling because he did not inherit his father’s fortune. He was born to Graham Hill, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and British icon. However, the family’s comfortable life was shattered in 1975 when Graham Hill died in a plane crash while piloting his own aircraft.
The crash also killed several members of Graham’s racing team. Due to an insurance technicality regarding the plane, the Hill family was sued by the families of the other victims. The ensuing legal battles decimated the family estate, leaving Damon, his mother Bette, and his sisters in difficult financial circumstances.
Stripped of the “silver spoon,” Damon funded his own way into racing. He worked as a motorcycle courier in London and a laborer to pay for his early competition fees. This “zero-to-hero” financial reset drove his later determination to secure his family’s future through racing.
Career
Damon Hill’s professional timeline is defined by late blooming and extreme resilience. He did not make his Formula 1 debut until the age of 31—an age where many modern drivers are already considering retirement.
He began his career on two wheels, racing motorcycles and winning the Clubman’s Championship at Brands Hatch in 1984. He transitioned to cars in 1985, progressing steadily through Formula Ford and Formula 3. However, lack of funding constantly threatened to end his career.
His break came in 1992 when he was appointed as the test driver for the dominant Williams-Renault team, while simultaneously racing for the struggling Brabham team. When Nigel Mansell left Williams, Hill was promoted to a race seat alongside Alain Prost for 1993.
From 1993 to 1996, Hill was a central figure in F1, winning 21 races for Williams. He finished second in the championship in 1994 and 1995, engaging in a fierce and often controversial rivalry with Michael Schumacher. In 1996, he finally clinched the World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix, becoming the first son of a World Champion to win the title himself.
Despite winning the title, he was dropped by Williams. He moved to the Arrows team for 1997, where he nearly achieved a miraculous victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix before a mechanical failure dropped him to second. He spent his final two seasons (1998–1999) with Jordan, scoring the team’s first-ever victory at the chaotic 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. He retired at the end of 1999 with 22 wins and 42 podiums.
Real Estate
Hill has historically invested heavily in prime real estate. For many years, he owned a spectacular Andalusian-style villa in the prestigious “Golden Mile” district of Marbella, Spain. The property, located in the Lomas de Marbella Club, featured five bedrooms, a guest apartment, and extensive grounds. It was listed for sale in recent years with an asking price of nearly €6 million ($6.5 million).
Currently, Hill resides in the United Kingdom. He lives in a large country estate in Surrey, near Guildford. The property reflects his love for privacy and nature, serving as a base for his family and his involvement with the nearby Brooklands Museum and British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), where he previously served as President.
Personal Life
Damon Hill has been married to Susan George (known as Georgie) since 1988. The couple has four children: Oliver, Joshua, Tabitha, and Rosie. His son, Josh Hill, briefly followed in his father’s footsteps, competing in Formula 3 before retiring from professional racing to pursue other interests.
Hill is also a talented musician. He played guitar for the band “Sex, Hitler and the Hormones” during his racing days and later formed “The Conrods,” a band comprised of former F1 personnel that played at Grand Prix after-parties.
Philanthropy remains a major part of his life. Inspired by his son Oliver, who has Down syndrome, Hill is a patron and active supporter of the Halow Project, a charity based in Guildford that supports young people with learning disabilities. He frequently auctions F1 memorabilia and participates in fundraising events to support the organization.
