Jamie Chadwick experienced what she described as "the best day of my life so far" after completing her inaugural Formula 1 test behind the wheel of a Williams car at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal. The 28‑year‑old British driver, who also serves as a Williams ambassador and a Sky Sports F1 analyst, logged 32 laps in the team’s 2025 chassis under the FIA’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme on Monday. Chadwick’s outing marks the second female F1 test of the calendar year. Earlier in April, Doriane Pin, the reigning F1 Academy champion, piloted a 2021 Mercedes at Silverstone.
Before Pin, the last British woman to test an F1 machine was Jessica Hawkins, who drove an Aston Martin in 2023. Chadwick herself first joined the Williams stable in 2019 as a development driver and has since built a résumé that includes three consecutive W Series championships and a historic 2024 Indy NXT victory on a road course – the first win by a woman in that series. "It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience," Chadwick said in the post‑test interview.
"Very few things can prepare you for the sensation of taking a Formula 1 car to the limit around a circuit like Portimão, but it exceeded everything I imagined – it was ten times better." She went on to thank Atlassian Williams F1 Team for the chance, recalling how watching former Williams driver Susie Wolff step into a Formula 1 car as a youngster had inspired her own path. "I would love to be that inspiration for the next generation.
The data and feel I gathered today will not only help my own racing development but also give me valuable insight to share with up‑and‑coming drivers," Chadwick added. "I’m extremely grateful and thrilled with how the day unfolded – it’s an experience I’ll cherish for a very long time, and I can honestly say it’s been the best day of my life so far." Wolff remains the most recent woman to take part in a Friday practice session, having completed four sessions for Williams across the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
The last woman to start a Grand Prix was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976, underscoring how rare such opportunities remain. 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 of motorsport and fully earned this test with Atlassian Williams.
Her feedback was invaluable as we prepare to return to Portimão next year, and her performance matched our high expectations." Vowles also highlighted the broader significance, noting that Chadwick’s test demonstrates a clear pathway for women to compete at the pinnacle of the sport. He expressed confidence that the experience will aid her personal growth and enable her to mentor younger drivers on what it takes to handle an F1 car. In preparation for the test, Chadwick explained to Sky Sports that she spent half a day in the simulator, fine‑tuned the seat fit, and completed all the procedural checks required before stepping into the cockpit. "I also ramped up my neck training dramatically," she said.
"Racing in LMP2 already demands a strong neck, but an F1 car is a whole different beast. George Russell helped me with a dedicated neck‑strength session, and the morning after I could barely move my head!
It really puts into perspective the physical demands these drivers face." Having previously raced the Portimão layout in the European Le Mans Series, Chadwick shared insights from other drivers. "Ollie Bearman told me the track is mentally taxing because of its undulating flow and constant changes of direction.
It keeps your brain busy," she recalled. "Most of the drivers I spoke to simply said to enjoy it, and that’s exactly what I tried to do." Chadwick also reflected on how her role as a Sky Sports pundit has broadened her understanding of Formula 1. "The exposure to the sport’s technical and strategic aspects through broadcasting has helped me in my own racing endeavors," she noted.
"But today’s test took that learning to a whole new, extreme level." The test comes at an exciting time for Formula 1, with the 2026 season already underway. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, which kicks off a triple‑header weekend. The race will be streamed via NOW, offering a flexible, contract‑free viewing option. Overall, Jamie Chadwick’s historic run at Portimão not only adds another milestone to her already impressive career but also serves as a powerful statement about the growing opportunities for women in motorsport.
Her performance, preparation, and passion illustrate the dedication required to compete at the highest level, and her success will likely inspire many more aspiring female racers to aim for the pinnacle of the sport.