1996 Formula 1 Jun 2026

With Schumacher gone from Benetton, Williams-Renault emerged as the team to beat. Damon Hill remained as the lead driver, while rookie Jacques Villeneuve —the reigning Indy 500 winner—replaced David Coulthard .

The car, the Williams FW18, was a masterpiece of aerodynamics by designer Adrian Newey. Powered by the potent Renault V10 engine, it was the class of the field. The internal battle between Hill and Villeneuve became the focal point of the championship. 1996 formula 1

The final driver standings reflected the intense battle between Hill and Villeneuve: Powered by the potent Renault V10 engine, it

1996 wasn’t a great race-by-race season—the Williams dominance made many processional. But as a narrative season, it was compelling. It was the year the old guard (Hill) held off the new (Villeneuve), while the true king in waiting (Schumacher) laid the foundation for his empire in red. It was the calm before the storm of the Schumacher-Häkkinen wars. But as a narrative season, it was compelling