1996 F1 world champion, Damon Hill has been unanimo♛usly 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 president💛s.

"💜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 members who have historically undermined ൲and disrupted the democratically-elected board, to work together constructively for the future of the BRDC."

Hill meanwhile is looking forw𒐪ard 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 with 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 is a ceremonial role to be played by the president to some degree but I would like very m🌊uch 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 Racing Drivers Club's AGM today [Friday April 28], Damon Hil🗹l 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 Surtees MBE, Mr. Henry Taylor and Sir Frank Williams CBE.

"Two new vice ꩵpresidents were also elected: Mr. Howden Ganley and Mr. Paddy Hopkirk.

"Three new directors were elected to the BRDC Boar🧔d: Lord Beaverbrook, Mr. Ray🍌 Bellm, Mr. Ian Titchmarsh. The new directors succeed Mr. John Cardwell, Mr. Alan Henry and Mr. Michael Ostroumoff."