As I say, it’s a great shame this has happened because the British Grand Prix
is such a special race. It stirs unique emotions in me. My earliest memories
of motor racing are of going to races at Silverstone and Brands Hatch.
When my father Graham was at his peak it wasn’t televised like it is now. We
didn’t have the Red Button or Sky F1 HD or Twitter so as a young boy the
event felt quite remote. But as it got nearer you could sense the occasion.
The British Grand Prix was – and remains – one of the largest sporting events
in the country. Everybody turned up for it. In many respects it has been the
victim of its own success this weekend with record crowds turning up, many
on spec.
When I became a driver the relationship only got more intense. As a British
driver, not only are you back in your home country but you are also of
interest to the British newspapers as well; the media, the pressure, the
heightened sense of expectation. Everything is ramped up.
I saw Lewis Hamilton say the other day that when he won in 2008 – another wet
weather weekend – he could feel the crowd’s energy and see them rise to
applaud him on every lap.
There’s no question that as a driver you’re aware of the goodwill towards all
British competitors. You’re not immune in your car. Of course you’re
concentrating on what you’re doing, you have your earplugs in and your
helmet on and so forth, but you’re still acutely aware of the crowd, the
banners, the atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to win the race in 1994. It was one of those unusual races
in my career which involved Michael Schumacher. He managed to get himself
black-flagged.
I was very aware that my dad had never won the British Grand Prix, so not only
was it hugely emotional it made a nice addition to the Hill trophy cabinet.
But it was much more special than that, really, because you didn’t have to go
home. You were already home.
Normally when you’re at a race you have to fly off somewhere but at
Silverstone you can take your time. We sat out on the grass, myself and
Frank Williams, and enjoyed the long evening. It was sunny back in those
days. Fans were coming up with big smiles on their faces. It was just
fantastic. I wouldn’t swap those memories for anything.
Weather allowing, what a race we have in prospect on Sunday. There has been a
lot of talk about ‘tyre lotteries’ this year but I think we’ve got a good
balance. Everyone, right back to the midfield teams, has a chance of winning
and that can only be a good thing.
This year, with the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee turning the
country into a sea of Union flags, Silverstone will be extra special for the
three British drivers: Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Paul di Resta.
A win today would be one to cherish for a very long time. Fingers crossed.
Damon Hill was, until last year, president of BRDC, the owners of
Silverstone