WATCH: Throwback to 1997 Hungarian GP when Damon Hill lost race despite having 30 sec lead

On this day in 1997, the Hungarian Grand Prix delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in Formula 1 history with Damon Hill narrowly missing out on a victory that seemed all but certain. Driving for Arrows-Yamaha, Hill led the majority of the race. However, a late-race hydraulics failure dashed his hopes, turning what could have been a triumphant day into a heartbreaking one.

Hill's performance throughout the race was nothing short of spectacular. After a challenging first year with Arrows, where points were hard to come by, Hill found himself in a dominant position at the Hungaroring.

He held a comfortable 35-second lead over Jacques Villeneuve with just three laps remaining. It looked as though Hill was on the brink of securing his first podium finish and second points of the season, a result that would have been a monumental achievement for both the driver and his team.

Here is the video:

1997 Hungarian GP: After having a lead of 30 seconds with 3 laps left, Hill's Arrows A18 suffered hydraulic issues. #F1

Hill still finished the race in 2nd place, which was fantastic for him and an uncompetitive Arrows Team but oh, what could have been... @HillF1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/kj4YX7qwCO

— Paul McGinnes 🏁 (@PaulMcG92) July 16, 2024

However, fate had other plans. A hydraulics issue left Hill's car stuck in third gear, severely compromising his pace. Villeneuve, sensing an opportunity, began to close the gap rapidly. Despite Hill's best efforts to nurse his stricken car to the finish line, Villeneuve overtook him on the final lap.

A bitter pill to swallow for Damon Hill!

The outcome was a bitter pill to swallow for Hill, who had driven a near-perfect race under challenging conditions. Even Michael Schumacher, Hill's fierce rival, acknowledged the brilliance of his performance. Schumacher remarked, "I hoped he would win because he deserved to, and I congratulate him."

The German also noted that a win for Hill would have been beneficial for his championship hopes, adding another layer to the complex emotions surrounding the race's conclusion. In the end, Hill had to settle for second place, but his drive at the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix remains one of the most memorable and poignant moments in Formula 1 history.