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Damon Hill, James Vowles, Luke Browning and Jamie Chadwick to take on hillclimb in FW18 at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026

Festival of Speed | Press Article 17/04/26

  • Damon Hill, James Vowles, Luke Browning and Jamie Chadwick will attend the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard with Atlassian Williams F1 Team, driving the iconic FW18
  • The appearance celebrates 30 years since Damon Hill’s 1996 World Championship, with the FW18 returning to the Goodwood Hill driven by past, present and future Williams representatives
  • Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes place Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 July.
  • Thursday and limited Sunday tickets remain at com.

Goodwood is delighted to confirm that Atlassian Williams F1 Team will attend the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, with Damon Hill, James Vowles, Luke Browning and Jamie Chadwick set to take on the hillclimb in the championship-winning FW18.

The iconic event will see Williams Ambassador Damon Hill reunited with the car that carried him to the 1996 FIA Formula One Drivers’ World Championship, secured in unforgettable fashion at the Japanese Grand Prix. As part of the festival celebrations, Damon will be honoured on the balcony of Goodwood House on Saturday 11 July, marking 30 years since his historic title triumph.

After driving Mansell's FW14B at last year’s event, Team Principal James Vowles returns to the Festival of Speed to drive one of the most dominant cars in Formula 1 history. The FW18 secured 12 wins out of 16 races, shared between Damon and his teammate and Williams Ambassador Jacques Villeneuve, delivering Williams’ eighth World Constructors’ Championship. It is returning to the track following an extensive restoration carried out by Williams F1 Team - Heritage, bringing it back to its period-correct specification.

Vowles will be joined by Atlassian Williams F1 Team Reserve Driver Luke Browning, who makes his hillclimb debut at Goodwood. Alongside his reserve duties, he is competing in Japan’s premier racing series, Super Formula, where he impressed in the opening round by charging from P21 to P4. The performance builds on a strong 2025 Formula 2 campaign, in which he fought for the championship throughout the season and finished fourth overall.

Ambassador and F1 Academy Adviser Jamie Chadwick also makes her return to the Festival of Speed, having previously taken to the wheel of the FW08 in 2023 and the FW14B in 2025. Since her last appearance at Goodwood, Jamie has competed in the European Le Mans Series in LMP2 where she became the first female racer to secure an outright victory in ELMS.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “Goodwood is an incredibly special event that showcases the best of British motorsport, and it’s an honour to be taking on the hillclimb alongside Damon, Jamie and Luke this year. To see Damon reunited with the FW18 as we mark 30 years since his World Drivers’ Championship is hugely meaningful for the team and for motorsport fans. Moments like these bring together our past, present and future, and that’s something we’re proud to celebrate.”

Damon Hill, Brand Ambassador, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “I am delighted and very excited to be reunited with my championship-winning FW18 and Williams who made it all possible at this summer's Festival of Speed. To see the car return to Goodwood 30 years later, and to share that moment with the fans, is truly amazing. Thanks to the team at Grove for their work in getting the FW18 back on track. I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel!”

The Duke of Richmond, CBE DL, founder of the Festival of Speed, said: "Formula 1 has been an essential part of the Festival of Speed since the very early days, and Williams were one of the first teams to appear, way back in 1994. Our fans are passionate about modern F1, but also knowledgeable about the sport’s history, and I know they'll be delighted to see Atlassian Williams F1 Team across the weekend. It will be fantastic to see James, Jamie and Luke in action, but the most special moment for me will be honouring Damon, on the 30th anniversary of his World Championship. Damon has been an ambassador since the first Festival of Speed and remains one of Goodwood’s most loyal supporters. I am immensely grateful to Williams F1 Team - Heritage for their support in restoring and preparing the FW18 for this special moment."

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will take place Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 July 2026.

Tickets
Thursday and limited Sunday tickets can be purchased at goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on +44 (0)1243 755055.

Hospitality
As well as tickets, Goodwood’s unrivalled hospitality packages are also now available to book for the 2026 Festival of Speed. Whether customers are looking for a great day out with friends, entertaining clients or celebrating something special, Goodwood’s hospitality provides the ultimate setting to enjoy the event. Email hospitality@goodwood.com or call +44 (0)1243 755054.

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Contact
For more information about Goodwood’s motorsport events, please contact Katharine Morgan, PR Manager: Katharine.Morgan@goodwood.com

For all other press enquiries please contact: media@goodwood.com

Imagery and news from Goodwood are available from our Press & Media site.

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About the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard
First staged in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is the world’s largest automotive garden party; set against the spectacular backdrop of Goodwood House in West Sussex, UK. Over 600 cars and motorcycles spanning the phenomenal history of motoring and motorsport take part along with legendary figures from the automotive world. Highlights include Future Lab presented by Randox, Forest Rally Stage presented by Subaru, Supercar Paddock, Supercar Run, F1 Pit Lane, Drivers’ Club, GAS Arena and Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance.

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About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

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About Atlassian Williams F1 Team
Atlassian Williams F1 Team is one of the world’s most iconic Formula 1 teams. Founded in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ World Championships, seven Drivers’ World Championships and 114 Grand Prix races – making it one of the three most-successful teams in history. Based in Grove, Oxfordshire and competing at the pinnacle of motorsport, Williams continues to build for the future of Formula 1 through world-class engineering, racing excellence and a commitment to bringing fans closer to the sport than ever before.