Damon Hill has announced his surprise departure from Sky SportsF1 after 13 years of working as a pundit for the channel.

Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion, appeared on-screen at the last race in Brazil and will not feature at the final three races of the 2024 season

The 64-year-old posted on X on Friday: “It’s been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1 but all good things come to an end.

“I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals it has ever been my pleasure to have worked with. Looking forward to new challenges.”

Sky Sports confirmed to The Independent that Hill has indeed departed his role as a pundit for the broadcaster.

The post was accompanied by two pictures: one with current F1 expert Martin Brundle and the other with former Sky pundit Johnny Herbert.

Fellow Sky F1 pundit Bernie Collins replied to Hill’s post, saying: “I will personally miss Damon (sic) immensely! I’ve loved working with you over these past 2 seasons.

“Thank you for all the support. See you soon!”

F1TV broadcaster Will Buxton added: “Your insight was always unique, deep and inspiring. A big loss for the great team at Sky, but forever grateful the world was able to benefit from the many lessons of your career and your life.

“And, personally, thankful that over the past 13 years my hero became my friend.”

Hill joined Sky when the British broadcaster won the rights to F1 in the UK in 2012 and has appeared on a rotational basis throughout each season.

He recently insisted he did not have a “vendetta” against Max Verstappen following criticism of the Red Bull driver following the Mexican Grand Prix last month.

Hill, son of two-time F1 world champion Graham Hill, claimed his sole F1 title in 1996 with Williams and won 22 grands prix, driving also for Brabham, Arrows and Jordan before retiring after the 1999 season.