Jamie Chadwick finally got a taste of Formula 1 machinery. The 28-year-old Briton completed her first test with Williams at Portimao, driving the team’s 2025 challenger in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session. She racked up 32 laps and described the experience as “surreal”.
“Very surreal. It all went far too quick, honestly,” Chadwick told Sky Sports F1. “It was a day or half a day that just went by so fast, but I'm so glad, because you dream of things like this, and you dream of days like this. Often with things like that, you never know how you're going to feel on the day, or how it's actually going to be, and the reality of it was what I expected times ten.”
Chadwick, a Williams ambassador, became the first woman in over a decade to test a Williams F1 car. The last woman to do so was Susie Wolff, now managing director of F1 Academy, over 11 years ago. “I mention it in the feature, but I really clearly remember the day Susie did her day,” Chadwick continued. “It feels quite surreal, 11 years later, to be hopping inside a car like that, and having the privilege to drive it. So, very grateful to everyone that's part of it.”
The experience also transformed her appreciation for the sport. “Now my appreciation for this sport, and for Formula 1 in particular, has gone through the roof. The car is phenomenal. The circuit was also phenomenal. I'm very, very grateful to Williams for the opportunity,” she added.
In recent years, several female drivers have been given chances to test modern F1 cars. Doriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, drove the Mercedes W12 at Silverstone in April 2026, while Aston Martin ambassador Jessica Hawkins tested the team’s 2021 car in 2023. Their presence highlights a gradual push to open more doors for female talent at the pinnacle of motorsport.
For Williams, this test is part of their broader development and promotional efforts involving Williams Racing in supporting female drivers’ careers. Although TPC sessions are not competitive, they are crucial for building mileage, understanding F1 car characteristics, and providing valuable data for the team.
Chadwick is known for her competitiveness in various series, including W Series, and currently races in F1 Academy. The Portimao run is expected to sharpen her skills, especially in handling a car with far more downforce and power than she is used to.
With 32 laps under her belt, Chadwick made it clear this was more than a formality. She returned with valuable lessons and renewed motivation, adding her name to the growing list of female drivers who have sampled the raw speed of an F1 car. For fans, it’s a sign that the door to the fastest single-seaters in the world is creaking open, even if the journey remains long.
Baca Juga
Lewis Hamilton hanya finis kelima di FP2 GP Azerbaijan, terpaut 1,3 detik dari Mercedes. Ia tetap optimistis Ferrari bisa bangkit dengan fokus pada pengelolaan ban.
Lando Norris sebut defisit McLaren di Baku bak pisau di hati. Masalah teknis dan kurangnya pace bikin tim harus kerja ekstra sebelum kualifikasi.
F1 2026: Imola bersiap jadi plan B, sementara Qatar dan Abu Dhabi tetap plan A. Ketidakpastian akhir musim meningkat, F1 tanggung risiko finansial.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!