Video: Montoya and his FW26 charge up the Festival of Speed Hill

16th September 2024

Rachel Roberts

Of all the sights we saw at the 2024 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, one of the more touching moments was witnessing Juan Pablo Montoya reunite with his FW26, the car in which he won the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix with Williams. He got back behind the wheel of his car this summer after almost 20 years, to lead it up the Festival of Speed Hill.

Williams was out in full force over the four-day event, with Team Principal James Vowles, F1 Academy driver Lia Block, and Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant each driving Keke Rosberg’s championship-winning 1982 FW08 up the Hill. But Saturday was special, for Montoya to be reunited with his FW26 was a magical reminder of a past era of Formula 1 and the visceral sound those cars produced.

Because the piercing sound of the V10 BMW-powered engine is unbelievable. Delivering 950PS (708kW) at 19,000rpm, this engine was one of the strongest of its day and you certainly get a glimpse of that as it runs up the Hill. This video from Williams offers a split view of both the Hillclimb and of Montoya in the car, allowing you to see just how comfortable it all looks for him 20 years on.

The grey clouds were looming overhead, but we could have been back in Brazil the way he set off, masterfully guiding the FW26 up the Hill before it’s all over in a flash – or rather, just over a minute. Happily, we can watch this run again and again while we wait for the joys next year will have in store.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Stunning Jaguar D-Type onboard at historic Silverstone