Damon Hill Rejected Ferrari Offer to Be Schumacher's Number Two
Damon Hill revealed he rejected Ferrari after Jean Todt demanded he serve as Michael Schumacher's number two driver. The 1996 champion refused the terms, prioritizing his competitive standing over the seat.
1996 World Champion Damon Hill has revealed that he rejected a "very generous" offer to join Ferrari during the Schumacher era. The deal breaker was a mandate from then-team principal Jean Todt that Hill would serve as the clear number two driver to Michael Schumacher, a condition the British driver felt compelled to refuse despite his desire for a competitive car.
Why it matters:
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the ruthless internal politics of Formula 1 in the late 1990s and the singular focus Ferrari placed on building their empire around Michael Schumacher. It highlights the difficult dilemma elite drivers face: sacrificing personal status for a seat in a potentially race-winning car versus maintaining their integrity as a lead contender, a dynamic that defined the pre-grid-penalty era of the sport.
The details:
- The Meeting: Hill disclosed the conversation on the Stay on Track podcast, explaining he met Todt at a house in Italy to discuss a drive. Despite his fundamental career rule of seeking "the best car with the best chance of success," the specific terms of the Ferrari contract were an immediate dealbreaker.
- The Ultimatum: According to Hill, Todt was transparent about the team's structure, stating, "You’d have to be number two to Michael." Hill quipped that this was "an offer you have to refuse," cleverly inverting the famous line from The Godfather.
- Conflicting Accounts: In a twist of irony, Hill noted that Todt has no recollection of the meeting ever taking place. When asked about the alleged offer years later, Todt denied the discussion occurred, leading Hill to joke, "I must have dreamt it!"
- Career Trajectory: This approach from Ferrari came shortly after Hill won the 1996 title with Williams. Despite his championship pedigree, he was dropped by Williams in favor of Heinz-Harald Frentzen. He eventually moved to Arrows and Jordan, retiring from the sport in 1999.
The big picture:
While Hill missed out on the Ferrari resurgence that yielded five consecutive constructors' titles, his decision preserved his legacy as a driver who refused to be a mere support act. This historical anecdote serves as a stark contrast to the modern grid, where top teams like Red Bull and McLaren often publicly emphasize equal status between drivers to maintain harmony and performance.