Williams Heritage restored Chassis 4 of the dominant 1996 FW18 Formula 1 car, allowing former World Champion Damon Hill to drive the machine at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The five-month restoration project involved stripping the Renault V10-powered chassis down to its bare metal, utilizing original archive design notes, and conducting non-destructive testing before bringing the car back to the track thirty years after its championship season.
The Restoration Process of Chassis 4
According to Williams Heritage Director Jonathan Kennard, the team undertook a five-month labor of love to bring Chassis 4 back to running condition. The car had not run for several years before arriving in the workshop in February, where crew members stripped it down to the bare chassis and repainted it. Heritage team members utilized original design archives and engineering notes from 1996 to verify structural questions during the rebuild. Crew member Ian Mellor stated that the chassis underwent non-destructive testing (NDT), while hydraulics were serviced at the main factory, suspension wishbones and uprights were stripped and tested, brake lines were pressure checked, and the gearbox was rebuilt. The team also installed a brand-new fuel cell, serviced the fuel pumps, and cleaned the radiators before reassembling the vehicle alongside original mechanics from the 1996 campaign, such as Colin Watts.
Damon Hill’s Return Behind the Wheel
Damon Hill expressed deep emotion upon reuniting with the FW18 chassis he drove to his 1996 Drivers’ Championship. According to Hill, the bespoke car was built for his exact dimensions, making him feel instantly at home in the cockpit. The 65-year-old former driver previously drove the car roughly a decade prior when team founder Frank Williams was still present. During the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hill drove the car up the famous hill climb, praising the proportions, weight, and power of the Renault V10 machine.
Team Leadership and Future Heritage Goals
Williams team boss James Vowles also drove the FW18 during the Goodwood weekend, describing the vehicle as an incredible racing car with direct feedback, precise balance, and crisp gear shifts. According to Jonathan Kennard, the Heritage department is evolving into a modern operation while maintaining Frank Williams’ legacy. The department aims to have as many running cars as possible as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027.
Did you know?
The Williams FW18 secured 12 victories out of 16 Grands Prix during the 1996 Formula 1 season, earning 12 pole positions and 21 podium finishes on the way to winning both the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who drove the restored Williams FW18 at Goodwood?
1996 World Champion Damon Hill and Williams team boss James Vowles both drove the restored FW18 chassis at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
How long did the FW18 restoration take?
The restoration process took approximately five months, beginning in February in the Williams workshop.
What engine powers the Williams FW18?
The Williams FW18 is powered by a Renault V10 engine.
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