Williams boss James Vowles hails Jamie Chadwick as F1 inspiration for women

Jamie Chadwick began karting at the age of 11 before becoming the second woman to join the Williams Driver Academy in 2019. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Williams team principal James Vowles praised Jamie Chadwick for her impact on aspiring female racers after she became only the second woman to drive a Williams Formula 1 car in an official test.

The 28-year-old Briton completed 32 laps at Portugal’s Portimao circuit in the FW47, Williams’ 2025 F1 challenger. Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, described the opportunity as “the best day of my life”, while her performance earned strong approval from Vowles.

“She is an inspiration for millions of women and girls, who has broken records at every level,” said Vowles.

“And she has thoroughly earned this test opportunity. She gathered important data for the team as we prepare to return to Portimao next year.

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“Her feedback and her performance were impressive as we knew they would be and this shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level.”

Chadwick’s appearance followed Mercedes test outing by French driver Doriane Pin, making her the second woman to drive an F1 car in 2026.

She also became the second female driver to take the wheel of a Williams, following Susie Wolff’s 2015 test. Wolff, who is married to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, now leads the all-female F1 Academy series.

“It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience,” said Chadwick, who has also won races in Indy NXT and the European Le Mans series.

“Few things can prepare you for driving an F1 car at speed around a track like Portimao, but it was everything I imagined and 10 times more.

“I think I did just the right amount because my neck had had enough. My head was tipping forwards under braking and I found it was tough.”

Chadwick began karting at the age of 11 before becoming the second woman to join the Williams Driver Academy in 2019. She said Wolff’s earlier appearance in a Williams had influenced her own ambitions.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Williams,” she said.

“I remember being young and watching Susie Wolff step into a Williams F1 car and how much that inspired my own journey.

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“I’d love to be able to do the same for the next generation and the experience I gained today will make a real difference both to my own racing and to what I can pass on.

“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 go as far as saying it’s been the best day of my life so far.”

(With inputs from AFP)

Published on Sep 26, 2026

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