Chadwick inspired by Hamilton but F1 'further away'

Williams development driver and W Series champion Jamie Chadwick is no hurry to reach F1, insisting she will not rush or "cheat" her way to the pinnacle of motorsport just for the sake of getting there.

Chadwick won this year's inaugural W Series and will defend her title in the all-female championship in 2020, after which, regardless of her result, she will be forced to move on, hopefully to the next level.

The 21-year-old also, who aspires to become the first woman to race in F1 since Lella Lombardi in 1976, spent part of her year embedded with Williams on selected Grand Prix weekends, observing, studying and taking in as much information and knowledge as possible, determined to put it all to good use in the future.

Chadwick to defend W Series title as new drivers join the grid

Chadwick made clear however that she does not wish anyone to fast-track her way to F1, believing that getting there at her own pace, on merit will prove more profitable in the long term.

"F1 feels further away," Chadwick told The Guardian. "I now know what I need to learn in the next few years. I am not going to rush that or try and cheat.

"I get comments on social media asking if I will be replacing [Williams driver] Robert Kubica. That is not even a realistic option. I need the time to develop.

"If I get to F1 I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make and do the best possible job rather than being there a year or two early for no reason."

©EuroFormulaOpen

Chadwick confessed her admiration for Lewis Hamilton, insisting the Mercedes driver's success in F1 is an inspiration to her.

"I have a huge amount of respect for him," she said.

"He is a six-time world champion and an unbelievable one. If I can emulate even a tiny amount of that, it has to be something to aim for."

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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.