Chadwick hails F1 test as career highlight
Jamie Chadwick said testing a Formula 1 car at Portimao was the standout moment of her motorsport career. The Williams development driver completed 32 laps and described the G-forces and neck strain as far more intense than in other categories. Chadwick has won all three W Series seasons and is one of a small number of women to have driven an F1 car.
Chadwick, a Williams development driver since 2019, completed 32 laps at Portugal’s Portimao circuit, which is scheduled to host F1 in 2027. She has won all three W Series campaigns and became the first woman to win a road race in IndyCar’s feeder series.
She is among 13 women who have driven an F1 car; five have taken part in a grand prix weekend, and two have raced. Maria Teresa de Filippis debuted in 1958, while Lella Lombardi remains the only woman to score points, in 1975.
Chadwick’s test may strengthen visibility for women in motorsport, potentially encouraging young female drivers and fans who see pathways through Williams, W Series and F1 Academy. It could also add pressure on teams and sponsors to consider female talent for limited seats, though one test is unlikely to change competitive structures quickly. The impact may be most felt in grassroots karting and junior categories, where role models can influence participation and ambition.