Damon Hill: I stick to 70mph The former world champion racing driver Damon Hill has spoken out against government proposals to increase the speed limit on English and Welsh motorways from 70mph to 80mph. The winner of 22 Grands Prix and a Formula One world championship said he hardly ever drives above 70mph because "it's too stressful." Hill, who retired in 1999, told the Radio Times: "Most people aren't safe to drive over 55. The speed limit going up to 80mph makes me shudder. People mostly drive too fast on the motorway and too close to the car in front. They think they know what they're doing and they don't.