Jordan's prime sponsor, Benson & Hedges, asked Damon Hill to delay his withdrawal from Formula One until after the British Grand Prix next week. Benson & Hedges pay a significant chunk of Hill's salary, and the Silverstone race was scheduled to be a major Public Relations event, where Hill was expected to appear and speak in several luncheons and dinners, the main event is that of Benson & Hedges.

Hill was ready to publicly announce he is quitting Formula One immediately this morning, after he told principal personnel in Jordan and some of his sponsors that he does not wish to drive anymore. Team chief Eddie Jordan was willing to accept that decision, but not Benson & Hedges, who will be the most affected should Hill not show up at Silverstone.

It was also revealed that Hill may see a substantial financial loss should he not race at Silverstone, another factor Benson & Hedges are hoping will entice Hill to race once more.

Hill will most likely make his final decision concerning the British Grand Prix towards the end of this week, as Jordan has to decide on whether he will test at Silverstone with Heinz Harald Frentzen, as planned, on Thursday and Friday. Should Hill insist on quitting now, the team would rather see his replacement take advantage of those extra two days of testing.