On July 2, 2025, the much-anticipated documentary film Hill made its exclusive debut on Sky Documentaries and NOW (formerly NOW TV) in the United Kingdom, offering a profound and intimate look into the life and career of Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion. Directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Alex Holmes, the 90-minute feature-length documentary goes beyond the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport to explore the psychological and emotional journey of a man shaped by immense personal tragedy and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
The film chronicles Damon Hill's path to becoming a world champion, a journey fraught with challenges both on and off the track. Hill’s story is inseparable from the shadow cast by his father, Graham Hill, a charismatic two-time Formula 1 World Champion who tragically died in a plane crash in 1975 when Damon was just 15 years old. This devastating loss not only left a void in Damon’s life but also plunged the family into financial ruin, as Graham’s unregistered and uninsured aircraft meant the family lost his estate and their home.
Throughout the documentary, intimate interviews and rare archival home videos provide a window into Damon’s struggles with identity and expectation. Unlike other racing legends, Damon was a man marked by introspection and quiet determination rather than bravado. His wife, Georgie Hill, who appears candidly in the film, describes him as “one of the saddest people I’ve ever come across in my life” when they first met. Despite this, she sensed a deep understanding of life in Damon that few others possessed, a quality that helped them build a strong bond amidst the pressures of racing life.
Alex Holmes’s approach to Hill is strikingly different from the high-octane spectacle typical of Formula 1 portrayals. The film adopts a reflective tone, often resembling a therapy session with Damon himself ruminating on his career and personal demons in a darkened set. This psychological portrait is enriched by the use of an old-fashioned 4:3 aspect ratio, which perfectly complements the wealth of archival footage, including priceless family home movies and historic racing scenes. Viewers are taken behind the scenes to witness the inner workings of the Williams racing team, led by Frank Williams and Patrick Head, which operated with a strict, almost school-like discipline. One revealing home video clip shows Georgie’s shock as she reads Damon’s contract, discovering that he was expected to cover his own travel expenses.
The documentary also revisits defining moments in F1 history, such as the tragic crash of Ayrton Senna and Damon’s intense, sometimes fraught rivalry with Michael Schumacher. The film highlights how Damon's path was anything but straightforward. His Williams team had already announced they would replace him before he clinched the 1996 championship, underscoring the uphill battle he faced. Commentary from Damon reveals a man who never sought the limelight, famously stating, “If your dad is the star of the show, then who are you?” This poignant question echoes throughout the film as Damon wrestles with living up to his father’s legacy while forging his own identity.
One of the most emotional moments captured in the documentary is the reaction of legendary commentator Murray Walker during Damon’s championship-winning race. Walker’s voice breaks with emotion as he says, “And, I've got to stop, because I've got a lump in my throat,” reflecting the significance of Damon’s victory not only for the sport but as a deeply personal triumph over adversity.
Beyond the racing scenes, which provide gripping footage for motorsport enthusiasts, Hill offers a compelling study of father-son dynamics and the psychological toll of loss, making it accessible to a broader audience. The film’s sensitive and nuanced storytelling reveals Damon as a devoted family man, contrasting sharply with the flamboyant and sometimes reckless personas of other drivers like James Hunt. Damon lacked the arrogance of Schumacher, the confidence of Alain Prost, or the almost mystical presence of Ayrton Senna, yet his quiet perseverance and spiritual depth made him a champion in his own right.
For fans in Australia and beyond eager to experience this moving documentary, a reliable VPN service such as NordVPN allows access to the UK-exclusive streaming platforms. By connecting to a UK-based server and logging into NOW’s website or app, viewers can bypass geo-restrictions and watch Hill seamlessly, ensuring that the story of Damon Hill’s remarkable journey is available worldwide.
The film’s cast is led by Damon Hill himself, who opens up about his life on and off the track, supported by heartfelt contributions from his wife Georgie and the insightful direction of Alex Holmes. Together, they craft a narrative that transcends sport and touches on universal themes of grief, resilience, and the quest for identity.
As Hill continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to the cost of greatness and the human spirit behind the roar of the engines. Whether you are a motorsport fan or simply drawn to stories of personal triumph, this documentary offers a powerful, intimate portrait of a champion who raced not just against competitors, but against the shadows of his past.
