Chadwick makes history as first female Hypercar reserve driver

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Three-time W-Series champ and Sky F1 pundit Jamie Chadwick will step into 2026 with a historic role in the World Endurance Championship, joining Genesis Magma Racing as the first female Hypercar reserve driver in the series.

"It’s hugely special to be involved in the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar," Chadwick said. "It’s another progression in my career and one I’m really proud of.

"Becoming a Reserve Driver in Hypercar is one step closer to my ultimate goal. The opportunity to test and drive more is something that I’m really looking forward to, and a role that I’m going to try to relish and make the most of.

"The development role can also be a huge help to my racing. Obviously, Hypercar is a step up in terms of everything that you’re learning, but you can still take that back to other categories and series just from the constant testing and working with the engineers."

Unsurprisingly, her first taste of the car - overseen by Genesis consultant Jacky Ickx - left a major impression: "My first laps in the GMR-001 Hypercar were amazing. It’s a really impressive car and so fast in a straight line.

"There’s a lot of different systems available to you as a driver, tools that you can use to make a difference.

"Obviously, so much is changing and evolving with every test that the team does, but it’s just a super car to drive, but also just a great team to be part of."

With momentum building on and off the track, Chadwick’s breakthrough role sets the stage for an even bigger season ahead.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.