What has been the best moment of your F1 career?

I had 14 great years as a team owner, the summit of my ambition after being a driver, and in 1998 Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished 1-2 for Jordan Grand Prix in Belgium. People used to say, ‘You can’t take on the FIA’, but Jordan did twice and won. I take the most satisfaction from selling [in 2005] at a time that was right for me and the team and leaving with dignity. We were never going to dominate but we survived a lot longer than many other teams and brought on some of the most exciting drivers, such as Ralf and Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine.

What was the worst part of being a team owner?

Well, it’s bloody hard getting a team together and even harder work keeping it going. Losing Eddie Irvine, our star driver, to Ferrari, for example, in 1995 was not easy to handle. Then there’s the politics, which I know leaves a lot of people confused and cynical. People look at Bernie Ecclestone and say, ‘He’s just in it to make a load of money’. But Formula One would not have the same international prominence, marketability and money without Bernie at the helm.

What’s been the best thing about this F1 season?

That we have had new independent teams, such as Brawn, Red Bull and Force India, coming through and new drivers on the winner’s podium. The accident involving Felipe Massa proved that the sport is a lot safer now — in the past, somebody might have died in an incident like that — and for that Max Mosley has to take a lot of credit.

What’s been the worst thing?

The sport couldn’t have taken another year of Ferrari and McLaren hitting each over the head but just when we had finally laid to rest ‘Spygate’, along came ‘Liegate’: Renault instructed their driver to crash to help a teammate and then lied about it. People make mistakes but Flavio Briatore needs to take a long hard look at himself.

Who was the best driver you had?

The quickest was Michael Schumacher. I interviewed him when he was considering a comeback earlier this season and I have no doubt that he was hugely up for it and would have done ridiculously well. The best driver I ever worked with was Ayrton Senna. He test drove for my Formula Three team, in 1983 I think, and was clearly something else. What struck you most about Ayrton other than his talent and dedication was that he was just a nice guy, and the women liked him for his looks and charm. He was a special man.

What’s the worst aspect of commentating with David Coulthard?

Because we argue, people think we don’t get on but that’s not true. It’s just that I talk from the perspective of a team owner whereas he still thinks as a driver. This is no slight against David but great drivers don’t necessarily make great team owners — as we saw with Jackie Stewart and Alain Prost. Anyway, I am grateful to the BBC for taking a punt on me, given that I had had no previous broadcasting experience.

What’s the best advice you would give anybody involved in sport?

Get the best people on your side, give everyone in your team, no matter how lowly they are, the respect and attention they deserve and don’t stand for any complacency.

What’s the best thing about having retired?

Getting to follow all the other sports I missed when I was a team owner. I’m a sports freak. I went to the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club in Ireland and to England’s first Six Nations game at Croke Park in 2007, when Ireland won. They were unforgettable occasions. I use one of the European team buggies when I play at Wentworth. I watched the 2008 Ryder Cup on my boat with golfer Paul McGinley and former Ireland rugby star Keith Wood.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

When not covering grands prix for the BBC, I am based in Wentworth (www.wentworthclub.com) where I work on my handicap. I have a house that backs on to the fifth hole of the West Course. We’re lucky enough to have tremendous facilities and I am a huge supporter of the club’s academy, which helps young golfers who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the best coaching and become professionals. There’s a lot of money at Wentworth so it’s important we put something back. Ross Fisher has been the most notable beneficiary of the academy — he’s now 26 in the world. I am also involved in the Clic Sargent charity and play the drums in my band Eddie and The Robbers.

ON TV TODAY
Driven — Graham Hill. A documentary on the life of Damon Hill’s father
7pm ESPN Classic, Sky channel 429