Jamie Chadwick recently had the opportunity to pilot a Formula 1 car for the first time, doing so with the Williams team at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal. She described the experience as "the best day of my life so far," a sentiment that captures both the thrill of the moment and the years of hard work that led up to it. The 28‑year‑old British driver, who also serves as a Williams brand ambassador and a regular Sky Sports F1 analyst, completed 32 laps in the team's 2025 chassis under the FIA's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme.
The TPC regulations allow teams to run older‑spec cars for data‑gathering purposes, and Chadwick’s session was part of that schedule on a Monday morning. Chadwick is only the second woman to test an F1 car this season. The first was Doriane Pin, the reigning F1 Academy champion, who took a 2021 Mercedes‑powered car to Silverstone in April.
Before Pin, the most recent British female to handle an F1 machine was Jessica Hawkins, who drove an Aston Martin in 2023. Chadwick herself first joined Williams as a development driver in 2019, and her résumé has been building ever since.
Her career highlights include winning the all‑female W Series three years in a row, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated her consistency and speed against the best women drivers worldwide. In 2024 she broke another barrier by becoming the first woman to win a road‑course race in the American Indy NXT series, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and talented racer. Reflecting on the test, 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 Portimão, but it was everything I imagined and ten times more." She added that she felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the Atlassian Williams F1 Team for granting her the chance, recalling how she had watched former Williams driver Susie Wolff step into an F1 car as a youngster.
"That moment inspired my own journey," Chadwick explained. "I would love to give the next generation the same spark, and the knowledge I gained today will help both my own racing and the guidance I can offer to up‑and‑coming drivers." The emotional weight of the day was evident when she said, "I'm so grateful and incredibly happy with how the day went. It's an experience I'll remember for a very long time – I'd even go as far as saying it's been the best day of my life so far." For context, Susie Wolff remains the last woman to take part in a Friday practice session in F1, having completed four such outings for Williams across the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
The previous woman to actually start a Grand Prix was Italy's Lella Lombardi, who raced in 1976. These milestones underscore how rare Chadwick's achievement is within the sport.
Williams team principal James Vowles praised Chadwick, stating, "Jamie Chadwick is an inspiration for millions of women and girls. She has broken records at every level and fully earned this F1 test opportunity with Atlassian Williams.
Jamie gathered important data for the team as we prepare to return to Portimão next year, and her feedback and performance were exactly what we expected – impressive." Vowles also highlighted the broader significance, noting that Chadwick's participation demonstrates a clear pathway for women to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. He expressed confidence that the experience will not only enhance her own driving but also allow her to mentor younger talent on what it truly takes to handle an F1 car. In a pre‑test interview with Sky Sports, Chadwick described the preparation involved. She spent half a day in the simulator to get the seat fit and run through procedural checks.
More physically demanding was the neck training, a crucial element for any driver handling the high G‑forces of an F1 car. "I train my neck for LMP2 racing, but the intensity had to be stepped up for this test," she said.
She credited fellow Williams driver George Russell for assisting with the training regime. After a particularly intense neck‑strength session, she joked, "I woke up the next morning and could barely move my head!" Chadwick had already driven the Portimão layout in the European Le Mans Series, giving her some familiarity with the circuit's undulating nature. She recounted conversations with other drivers, noting that Ollie Bearman described the track as mentally demanding because of its flowing, constantly changing corners.
"Most just say to enjoy it," Chadwick added, emphasizing the importance of staying focused while appreciating the unique character of the venue. Beyond the test itself, Chadwick highlighted how her role with Sky Sports has broadened her understanding of Formula 1. "I learn a huge amount from F1 through my broadcasting work, and that knowledge feeds back into my own racing," she explained. "This test takes that learning to an extreme level." The timing of the test coincides with a busy period in the F1 calendar.
The 2026 season is currently being broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku kicking off a triple‑header of races this week. Fans can follow the action via the NOW streaming service, which offers flexible, contract‑free access. Overall, Jamie Chadwick's inaugural F1 test represents a significant personal milestone and a symbolic step forward for gender diversity in motorsport. Her performance, enthusiasm, and dedication to inspiring future drivers illustrate how barriers can be broken when talent meets opportunity.
The data she collected will aid Williams in its preparations for the upcoming season, while her story continues to motivate aspiring racers worldwide.