1996 F1 world champ🔯ion, Damon Hill has been unanimously elected as the new president of the British Racing Drivers' Club following their annual general meeting on Friday.

Hill takes over from Sir Jackie Stewart, who had held the position for around six years and 💮who will remain as one of the vice presidents.

"It is my fervent hope, both today and for the future, that [the club] will give Damon unanimous support to lead the club as its new president," said 🌼Stewart.

"I hope this will include the minority of mem𝓀bers who have historically undermined and disrupted the democratically-el😼ected board, to work together constructively for the future of the BRDC."

Hill meanwhile is looking forw🦩ard to his new role, one that will see him very much back in the public spotlight after having last raced in F1 back in 1999 wit♛h Jordan.

"To be elected to such a prestigious club is an honour. It's a big job," the 22 time grand prix winner told BBC Sport Online. "There iꦇs a ceremonial role to be played by the president t♚o some degree but I would like very much to have my say on which direction the club is going. I think that is also part of the role - to lead the club in a new direction."

A brief statement from the BRDC added:

"At the British Racin🔴g Drivers Club's AGM today [Friday Apꦗril 28], Damon Hill OBE was unanimously elected president to succeed Sir Jackie Stewart OBE.

"Sir Jackie was elected as a vice president along with Sir Jack Brabham OBE, Mr. Martin Brundle, Mr. Ron Dennis CBE, Sir Stirling Moss OBE, Mr. Tim Parnell, Mr. Peter Scott Russell, Mr. John Surtees𒁃 MBE, Mr. Henry Taylor and Sir Frank Williﷺams CBE.

"Two new vice presidents wﷺere also🧔 elected: Mr. Howden Ganley and Mr. Paddy Hopkirk.

"Three new directors were el꧑ected to the BRDC Board: Lord Beaverbrook, Mr. Ray Bellm, Mr. Ian Titchmarsh. Theꦿ new directors succeed Mr. John Cardwell, Mr. Alan Henry and Mr. Michael Ostroumoff."