Jamie Chadwick experienced what she calls "the best day of my life so far" after completing her inaugural Formula 1 test behind the wheel of a Williams car at Portugal’s Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. The 28‑year‑old British driver, who also serves as a Williams brand ambassador and a Sky Sports F1 analyst, tackled 32 laps in the team’s 2025 chassis under the FIA’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme on Monday. Chadwick’s outing makes her the second woman to drive an F1 machine this season, following Doriane Pin – the reigning F1 Academy champion – who piloted a 2021 Mercedes at Silverstone in April.
It also marks the first time a British female has tested an F1 car since Jessica Hawkins completed a run in an Aston Martin in 2023. Chadwick first joined Williams in 2019 as a development driver, and her résumé since then has been nothing short of remarkable. She dominated the all‑female W Series for three consecutive seasons and, in 2024, broke new ground by becoming the first woman to win a road‑course race in the American Indy NXT championship.
"It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience," Chadwick said after the session. "Very few things can truly prepare you for driving a Formula 1 car at speed around a circuit like Portimão, but it exceeded every expectation – it was everything I imagined and ten times more." She went on to thank the team, noting the personal significance of the moment. "I’m incredibly grateful to Atlassian Williams F1 Team for this opportunity.
I remember watching Susie Wolff step into a Williams car when I was a kid, and that moment inspired my own journey. I hope I can give the next generation the same spark. The data I gathered today will help my own racing and will be invaluable for the young drivers I mentor." Chadwick summed up the emotional weight of the day: "I’m so grateful and unbelievably happy with how everything unfolded.
It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever – I’d even say it’s been the best day of my life so far." For context, Susie Wolff remains the most recent woman to take part in a Friday F1 practice session, doing so across four appearances in 2014 and 2015 for Williams. The last woman to start a Grand Prix was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976. Williams team principal James Vowles praised Chadwick’s achievement, stating, "Jamie Chadwick is an inspiration for millions of women and girls. She has shattered records at every level and fully earned this test with Atlassian Williams.
Her feedback was impressive and will aid the team as F1 returns to Portimão next year. This demonstrates a clear pathway for women to reach the sport’s pinnacle." In a pre‑test interview with Sky Sports, Chadwick explained the preparation that went into the day.
"I spent half a day in the simulator, did the seat‑fit and all the procedural checks. Then I intensified my neck training. Racing in LMP2 already demands a strong neck, but an F1 test takes it to another level.
George Russell helped me with the conditioning – after a particularly tough session I could barely turn my head! It really puts into perspective how much physical preparation drivers undergo." Having previously raced the Portimão layout in the European Le Mans Series, Chadwick reflected on the circuit’s challenges. "Ollie Bearman told me the track is mentally demanding because of its undulating flow and constant changes. It’s a very busy circuit in the mind, but most drivers simply advise you to enjoy it.
My work with Sky Sports has already taught me a lot about F1, and this test pushes my learning to an extreme new level." The test also provided valuable data for Williams as they fine‑tune their 2026 package. Under the TPC regulations, teams are allowed to run previous‑year cars for development work, and Chadwick’s lap times and feedback will feed into aerodynamic and setup decisions for the upcoming season.
Her presence behind the wheel also sends a powerful message about diversity and inclusion within the sport, reinforcing the growing momentum for greater female representation on and off the track. Beyond the technical side, Chadwick’s achievement resonates with a broader audience.
Young girls watching the broadcast can now see a clear example of a woman not only competing at the highest level but also influencing the sport’s future. As Vowles noted, this kind of visibility is essential for building a pipeline of talent that can eventually fill full‑time F1 seats. The excitement surrounding Chadwick’s test arrives as the 2026 Formula 1 calendar continues to unfold. This weekend, Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the first leg of a triple‑header weekend that also includes the next race in the series.
Fans can stream the action via NOW, with flexible subscription options that allow cancellation at any time. In summary, Jamie Chadwick’s historic run at Portimão blends personal triumph, technical contribution, and symbolic progress for women in motorsport.
Her words, her preparation, and the data she delivered all underscore a day that truly lives up to the claim of being the "best day of my life" – a milestone that will be remembered by fans, teammates, and aspiring drivers alike.