Jamie Chadwick recently had the opportunity to pilot a Formula 1 car for the first time, taking to the track at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal, with the Williams team. She described the occasion as "the best day of my life so far," a sentiment that captures both the thrill of the experience and the personal significance it holds for her.
The 28‑year‑old Briton, who serves as a Williams ambassador and regularly appears as a pundit on Sky Sports F1, completed 32 laps in the team's 2025 chassis during a session governed by the FIA's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations. The TPC programme allows teams to run older specification cars for development work, and Williams used the day to gather data while giving Chadwick a genuine taste of modern F1 performance. Chadwick's appearance marks a notable milestone in the ongoing push for greater female representation in top‑level motorsport.
She is the second woman to test an F1 machine this year, following Doriane Pin—who drove a 2021 Mercedes at Silverstone in April—and the first British female driver to do so since Jessica Hawkins piloted an Aston Martin in 2023. Her progression mirrors the broader narrative of women breaking into what has traditionally been a male‑dominated arena. Having first joined Williams as a development driver in 2019, Chadwick has built an impressive résumé.
She dominated the all‑female W Series, winning the championship in each of its three seasons, and in 2024 she made history by becoming the first woman to win a road‑course race in the American Indy NXT series. These achievements underscore her versatility across different racing disciplines, from single‑seaters to endurance prototypes. Reflecting on the day, Chadwick said, "It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience.
Few things can prepare you for driving a Formula 1 car at speed around a track like Portimao, but it was everything I imagined and ten times more." She expressed deep gratitude to the Atlassian Williams F1 Team for the chance, noting that watching former Williams driver Susie Wolff step into an F1 car as a youngster had inspired her own career aspirations. "I would love to be able to do the same for the next generation," she added, emphasizing the role model effect she hopes to have.
Williams team principal James Vowles praised Chadwick, stating, "Jamie Chadwick is an inspiration for millions of women and girls who has broken records at every level, and she has thoroughly earned this F1 test opportunity with Atlassian Williams F1 Team. Jamie gathered important data for the team as F1 prepares to return to Portimao next year, and her feedback and performance were impressive as we knew they would be.
This clearly shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level, and I look forward to seeing how Jamie uses this experience to advance her own driving and advise our young drivers on what it takes to drive an F1 car." In a pre‑test interview with Sky Sports, Chadwick detailed the preparation that went into the session. She spent half a day in the simulator to become familiar with the car's ergonomics and performed extensive neck‑strength training, a crucial component for handling the extreme G‑forces experienced in an F1 vehicle. "George Russell helped me a little with the preparation," she said.
"After the first proper day of neck training with him, I could barely move my head!" The comment highlights the physical demands placed on drivers, especially when transitioning from LMP2 machinery, which already requires substantial neck conditioning, to the even higher loads of an F1 car. Chadwick had previously raced at Portimao in the European Le Mans Series, giving her a baseline familiarity with the circuit's undulating layout.
She recalled conversations with fellow drivers, noting that Ollie Bearman described the track as mentally taxing due to its constant flow and elevation changes. "Most just say to enjoy it," she laughed, adding that her work with Sky Sports has deepened her understanding of F1 technology and strategy, which in turn benefits her broader racing endeavors. The significance of Chadwick's test extends beyond personal achievement.
It serves as a tangible example that the pathway to Formula 1 is becoming more accessible for women. The last woman to take part in an official F1 Friday practice session was Susie Wolff, who ran four sessions for Williams in 2014 and 2015. The last woman to start a Grand Prix was Italian driver Lella Lombardi in 1976.
By adding her name to this short list, Chadwick helps to keep the momentum of female participation moving forward. Beyond the test itself, the broader F1 calendar continues to unfold.
The 2026 season is in full swing, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku kicking off a triple‑header weekend that also includes the Saudi Arabian and Australian Grands Prix. Fans can follow the live action on Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW, with flexible subscription options. In summary, Jamie Chadwick's inaugural F1 outing with Williams was more than a personal triumph; it was a statement about progress, preparation, and the power of role models. Her remarks capture the emotional weight of the day, while the technical preparation underscores the professionalism required to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport.
As the sport looks ahead to future races and continued efforts to broaden its appeal, Chadwick's experience stands as a beacon for aspiring drivers of all genders, illustrating that dedication, skill, and opportunity can combine to create truly unforgettable moments.