The Art and Science of Racing: A Conversation with Graham Hill

Graham Hill, a renowned British racing driver, sat down with us to share his experiences, thoughts, and insights on the world of Formula One. As he entered the studio, he was met with excited fans, many of whom had grown up idolizing him from watching "Rory the Racing Car," a popular children's show that featured Hill as its main character.

Hill's career in racing spanned over three decades, during which he competed in numerous prestigious events, including Formula One. He had the privilege of driving some of the most iconic cars in history, including Lotus, Maserati, Ferrari, and BRM. However, if he had to choose one car that holds a special place in his heart, it would be the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 SLR.

"I think the nicest car I've ever driven was probably the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 SLR," Hill said. "It was an absolute joy to drive, and its performance was truly exceptional." He also praised the Ferrari 250 F Meza, stating that it was one of the most enjoyable cars he's ever had the pleasure of driving.

Hill's success in racing was not limited to his on-track performances. His charismatic personality and ability to connect with fans made him a beloved figure, both on and off the track. He was known for his sense of humor and humility, often taking time to chat with fans and share stories about his experiences.

When asked about his thoughts on the current state of Formula One, Hill expressed optimism about the future of the sport. However, he also highlighted some of the challenges it faces, including the complexity of the rules and regulations. "I think the biggest challenge facing Formula One is the sheer amount of paperwork and bureaucracy that surrounds the sport," he said.

One of the most significant changes Hill observed in his career was the increase in prize money for drivers. In 1961, when Hill's career was at its peak, he earned a total of £27,000, which is equivalent to over £100,000 today. This figure pales in comparison to what top drivers earn today, with some earning over £40 million per year.

Despite the significant changes in the sport, Hill remained committed to driving British cars whenever possible. He was a strong advocate for supporting British manufacturers and believed that it was essential for the country's motorsport industry to thrive.

Hill also took the opportunity to talk about two of the most promising young drivers in Formula One today: Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. When asked which car they would win if put in the same one, Hill hedged his bets, saying, "I wouldn't know." However, he did emphasize that both drivers have incredible talents and skills, but noted that Lewis's ability to push himself to the limit and control the car with precision makes him an exciting driver to watch.

Finally, when asked about his own career and legacy, Hill reflected on how far racing has come since his days. He began his career in 1948, and at the time of our conversation, he was set to continue racing until at least 2048, a testament to his passion for the sport and its enduring appeal.

Throughout our conversation, Graham Hill demonstrated his characteristic wit and humility, sharing insights into the world of Formula One that are both informative and entertaining. As we concluded our interview, it was clear that this British racing legend remains an integral part of the sport's history and heritage.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enhi there I'm Mary Walker and I'm here with a very special person indeed because when people say to me and they very often do in your opinion who is the greatest racing driver who is always has ever lived there's only one answer as far as I'm concerned and he's here sitting alongside of me Sir Stirling Moss we've known each other for a very long time and we're here for a very special reason too because we're both very involved with the enormous Lee successful TV series Rory the racing car how did you get involved with all of the racing car and why well if end of mind came up to me and said look there's a lot of children around who don't know Stirling Moss is and he said but this is a good idea because if you do this the children will probably watch it with their grandparents the grandparents will say Stirling Moss I remember that name 50 or 60 years ago as a series because it is motorsport oriented and there are a lot of very distinctive and lovable characters in it that it but it actually does anything for motorsport I think so because I think it gets people it gets young very young children and obviously their grandparents as well interested in what you know what Rory doesn't Rory it's quite an interesting thing to watch it isn't only only for children although it's aimed at children and therefore I do think yes I think it does help us you're coming up to your 80th birthday very soon you must look back on your life with an enormous amount of satisfaction and enjoyment and feeling of fulfillment I reckon I've had as good a life as the kid could have a mercy I'm ever going to my father and this is when I was what 17 years old and said dad I want to be a racing driver why because I think mainly because a I could drive I've been allowed to drive in the farm but B I dread Prince Tudors books about Prince pyrrha and I read those Roadster hat-trick and I thought gosh I'm sorry yeah exactly and adder he had a fantastic life racing here and you know chasing all the girls and so I hope that sounds really good thing to do and I said to dad look I would like to do it he was dead against it he said well look you can borrow my 3-2 to race or hillclimbs if you like I did that and there was a moderate success and then I was offered a professional drive with John Heath when I was 18 and so I went abroad I can't think of any life but every year in being better than going abroad being paid not much at that time but paid to what my sport was you are still mr. motor racing to people all over the world how do you think your reputation has lasted for so long I think the first thing is that my father was strong enough to say to my mother no you can't call him Hamish I've been engaged Hamish but my mother wanted to call me like like Jenson you got a distinctive which I think was a great help then I did obviously have a certain amount of talent which got massages and improved by just literally experience driving on all different circuits different cars and of course I mean I do go around talking about motor racing and making appearances and so on but I'm very very lucky I just can't I have to ask you the cliche question now you are the greatest racing driver in the world certainly who never won the world championship you finished second four time yeah do you feel any sense of regret that you didn't I much more exclusive there are many people didn't nearly got it you see so has an exclusivity which I wish I can tolerate no I must say the main thing for me was to have the respect of the other drivers in other words when the times came out for practice they wanted to see where I was placed and just the fact that I had a fabulous life doing it now coming back to Rory the racing car you are the narrator you come into the studio and you do the initial bits of every program have you do you get people coming up to you and saying I know I know I have had people certainly come up with with their children I said my son knows you very well from from being than the racer on Rory I mean it's amazing how widespread it is I mean you can get Australians anywhere around the world in fact I believe a hundred and ten countries it's shown in quick question out of all the cars that you've driven Lotus mercy these pens Maserati Ferrari BRM all the rest which is the one that you look back on with the greatest affection I think the nicest to drive was probably 250 F Meza but certainly not as good a car as the Mercedes I mean the Mercedes did not break and the SLR 300 SLR was probably the finest cry of a drove very strong and I mean if you if there's a child with a race like the Miele Amelia Dover 10 hours round Italy beating the life out of a boy I think it's about the only one that would take it actually okay there's two sides to every coin that's the good side which is the worst guy oh that's easy sixteen sins of Bri most of all I can tell you I remember getting in that thing and to go from one feeling the steering this was on one way to doing the other way you've done seven inches of backlash I mean that's a lot you know you've seen a hell of a lot of changes of Formula one which is going through some very difficult times now but are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future before I once frankly it has to say much the same as disease I'm optimistic because I think they're terrific I'm pessimistic because I think there are so many petty rules and so on I mean you know I mean what what the flags mean and that you know they're the yellow flag now I mean it used to be in my day if you've got a yellow flag it meant watch out and don't hit anything now if it's a yellow flag I mean watch out or it cost you a hundred thousand dollars if you pass the car you you hear the most incredible figures nowadays expanded upon the Formula one drive Kimi räikkönen gets 40 million pounds a year or whatever it was I mean allowing for inflation what would have been a good year for you well I can tell you in 61 I did 52 races I think I think I won over 40 of them and my total gross income was 27 thousand pounds I had to pay my expenses of course of didn't include flights and I paid tax on 8,000 pounds which I reckon is in today's money over a hundred grand but I was earning as much money as a really good lawyer I mean no QC yeah so so is it pretty it was a fairly good living you are a very famous British racing driver and you insisted always wherever possible that you drove British cars we've got two very famous British drivers in the present the world's champion in Louis Hamilton and a potential almost to be hopefully in 2009 world champion in Jenson Button I'll ask you the usual silly question if you put them both in exactly the same car which would win very difficult I'd honestly I wouldn't know I all I do know is that I think that Jenson is lucky that he would that he was tied to Honda and couldn't drive somebody else and had to wait until the tool Russ got the car ready I think that's one very big important thing I mean they've got they've got the Mercedes engine their car is incredible as far as Lewis is concerned I always think he's one of the most exciting drivers I mean Jenson is so polished so smooth and I think he really really I could see why he's winning he drives drives that car beautifully whereas with Lewis he's exciting because he will outbreak people and his control over the car is enormous I mean I think it's probably his background of karts but made you all the racing drivers have come cars now but I can't answer that question I really can't I hey I think at the moment I think we there's no doubt that Jenson I think it's obviously in the pound seats whether whether they'll get the other car right the McLaren right I don't know I presume they will but how long will it take well sterling I will tell you this you started your career in 1948 thanks to your starring role in Rory the racing car uh sure thing you're going on at least until 2048 as the world's racing driver well done matehi there I'm Mary Walker and I'm here with a very special person indeed because when people say to me and they very often do in your opinion who is the greatest racing driver who is always has ever lived there's only one answer as far as I'm concerned and he's here sitting alongside of me Sir Stirling Moss we've known each other for a very long time and we're here for a very special reason too because we're both very involved with the enormous Lee successful TV series Rory the racing car how did you get involved with all of the racing car and why well if end of mind came up to me and said look there's a lot of children around who don't know Stirling Moss is and he said but this is a good idea because if you do this the children will probably watch it with their grandparents the grandparents will say Stirling Moss I remember that name 50 or 60 years ago as a series because it is motorsport oriented and there are a lot of very distinctive and lovable characters in it that it but it actually does anything for motorsport I think so because I think it gets people it gets young very young children and obviously their grandparents as well interested in what you know what Rory doesn't Rory it's quite an interesting thing to watch it isn't only only for children although it's aimed at children and therefore I do think yes I think it does help us you're coming up to your 80th birthday very soon you must look back on your life with an enormous amount of satisfaction and enjoyment and feeling of fulfillment I reckon I've had as good a life as the kid could have a mercy I'm ever going to my father and this is when I was what 17 years old and said dad I want to be a racing driver why because I think mainly because a I could drive I've been allowed to drive in the farm but B I dread Prince Tudors books about Prince pyrrha and I read those Roadster hat-trick and I thought gosh I'm sorry yeah exactly and adder he had a fantastic life racing here and you know chasing all the girls and so I hope that sounds really good thing to do and I said to dad look I would like to do it he was dead against it he said well look you can borrow my 3-2 to race or hillclimbs if you like I did that and there was a moderate success and then I was offered a professional drive with John Heath when I was 18 and so I went abroad I can't think of any life but every year in being better than going abroad being paid not much at that time but paid to what my sport was you are still mr. motor racing to people all over the world how do you think your reputation has lasted for so long I think the first thing is that my father was strong enough to say to my mother no you can't call him Hamish I've been engaged Hamish but my mother wanted to call me like like Jenson you got a distinctive which I think was a great help then I did obviously have a certain amount of talent which got massages and improved by just literally experience driving on all different circuits different cars and of course I mean I do go around talking about motor racing and making appearances and so on but I'm very very lucky I just can't I have to ask you the cliche question now you are the greatest racing driver in the world certainly who never won the world championship you finished second four time yeah do you feel any sense of regret that you didn't I much more exclusive there are many people didn't nearly got it you see so has an exclusivity which I wish I can tolerate no I must say the main thing for me was to have the respect of the other drivers in other words when the times came out for practice they wanted to see where I was placed and just the fact that I had a fabulous life doing it now coming back to Rory the racing car you are the narrator you come into the studio and you do the initial bits of every program have you do you get people coming up to you and saying I know I know I have had people certainly come up with with their children I said my son knows you very well from from being than the racer on Rory I mean it's amazing how widespread it is I mean you can get Australians anywhere around the world in fact I believe a hundred and ten countries it's shown in quick question out of all the cars that you've driven Lotus mercy these pens Maserati Ferrari BRM all the rest which is the one that you look back on with the greatest affection I think the nicest to drive was probably 250 F Meza but certainly not as good a car as the Mercedes I mean the Mercedes did not break and the SLR 300 SLR was probably the finest cry of a drove very strong and I mean if you if there's a child with a race like the Miele Amelia Dover 10 hours round Italy beating the life out of a boy I think it's about the only one that would take it actually okay there's two sides to every coin that's the good side which is the worst guy oh that's easy sixteen sins of Bri most of all I can tell you I remember getting in that thing and to go from one feeling the steering this was on one way to doing the other way you've done seven inches of backlash I mean that's a lot you know you've seen a hell of a lot of changes of Formula one which is going through some very difficult times now but are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future before I once frankly it has to say much the same as disease I'm optimistic because I think they're terrific I'm pessimistic because I think there are so many petty rules and so on I mean you know I mean what what the flags mean and that you know they're the yellow flag now I mean it used to be in my day if you've got a yellow flag it meant watch out and don't hit anything now if it's a yellow flag I mean watch out or it cost you a hundred thousand dollars if you pass the car you you hear the most incredible figures nowadays expanded upon the Formula one drive Kimi räikkönen gets 40 million pounds a year or whatever it was I mean allowing for inflation what would have been a good year for you well I can tell you in 61 I did 52 races I think I think I won over 40 of them and my total gross income was 27 thousand pounds I had to pay my expenses of course of didn't include flights and I paid tax on 8,000 pounds which I reckon is in today's money over a hundred grand but I was earning as much money as a really good lawyer I mean no QC yeah so so is it pretty it was a fairly good living you are a very famous British racing driver and you insisted always wherever possible that you drove British cars we've got two very famous British drivers in the present the world's champion in Louis Hamilton and a potential almost to be hopefully in 2009 world champion in Jenson Button I'll ask you the usual silly question if you put them both in exactly the same car which would win very difficult I'd honestly I wouldn't know I all I do know is that I think that Jenson is lucky that he would that he was tied to Honda and couldn't drive somebody else and had to wait until the tool Russ got the car ready I think that's one very big important thing I mean they've got they've got the Mercedes engine their car is incredible as far as Lewis is concerned I always think he's one of the most exciting drivers I mean Jenson is so polished so smooth and I think he really really I could see why he's winning he drives drives that car beautifully whereas with Lewis he's exciting because he will outbreak people and his control over the car is enormous I mean I think it's probably his background of karts but made you all the racing drivers have come cars now but I can't answer that question I really can't I hey I think at the moment I think we there's no doubt that Jenson I think it's obviously in the pound seats whether whether they'll get the other car right the McLaren right I don't know I presume they will but how long will it take well sterling I will tell you this you started your career in 1948 thanks to your starring role in Rory the racing car uh sure thing you're going on at least until 2048 as the world's racing driver well done mate\n"