Video: How it looks to drive a Williams F1 car at FOS

02nd August 2023

Simon Ostler

To have the opportunity to drive anything up the Goodwood Hill during the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard would be incredibly special. But then there are people during those four days who get to have the ultimate experience. That of driving a championship-winning, V10-engined Formula 1 car past the House.

That’s what happened to Ted Zorbas in 2023, as he climbed into the cockpit of the Williams FW19, the car that Jacques Villeneuve drove to the F1 world championship in 1997, and took it for a memorable ride.

Even from this forward-facing view from a camera mounted to the roll-hoop, the car itself is immediately identifiable. That Rothmans livery is iconic, while the number three on the nose serves a reminder that Damon Hill took his number one to Arrows after triumphing in 1996.

The run down to the first corner is… relaxed, but with a couple of corners under his belt, Ted has the confidence to plant his right foot and unleash that Renault V10 as he flies under the bridge and up towards the one substantial braking zone on the Hill. We can only imagine what that brief section alone must have felt, as somewhere in excess of 700PS (515kW) came roaring out of the back of this stunning car.

Another cautious moment past the flint wall is utterly understandable, before he floors it one more time over the crest of the Hill and across the finish line. One day we’ll be lucky enough to have a go… right?

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: How to go from 4th to 1st on the last lap