If ever the 1996 Formula One Champ’s skills were in doubt, a ridealong with the man in a Mercedes SL55 ought to set any detractor straight. Damon Hill’s smooth driving defined his racing career, but in a big, front-engined thumper like this SL55, it seems he dialed in a little aggression to get the most out of Dominic Littlewood, the journalist sitting shotgun.

Racing along a twisting mountain road, Hill and his visibly-uncomfortable copilot push the limits of adhesion, spinning up the rear wheels at corner exits with the 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque on hand from the snarling, supercharged, 5.4-liter V8. Hill’s comfort behind the wheel allows him to gather enough speed to get the 4,400-pound Mercedes airborne, popping the rollbar up upon compression, much to the amusement of the occupants.

Littlewood attempted to look composed, but wasn’t too convincing.

Amidst the casual chat between the two, there’s an air of seriousness in Hill’s driving, and that manifests on Littlewood’s face. Although he tries to mitigate some of the tension with humor, there’s no doubt that Littlewood would rather be walking on coals than riding alongside the former F1 star. As they round several quick corners, Littlewood’s complexion grows greenish.

With a panicked expression on his face, the journalist rolls his window down and just manages to avoid coating the Merc’s sumptuous, leather interior with what was once his lunch. Hill, ever the gentleman, slows to let the ill man out, but not without a mischievous quip or two. Damon Hill had his fair share of detractors during his heyday, but it’s doubtful anyone ever felt this strongly about his driving.