Chadwick savours ‘best day of my life’ after Williams F1 test

Jamie Chadwick has taken another step into Formula 1 history, becoming the latest woman to experience the speed and complexity of a modern F1 car after completing a private test with Williams at Portimão.

The three-time W Series champion climbed aboard Williams’ 2025 challenger for 32 laps of the Portuguese circuit, fulfilling what she described as a lifelong ambition and becoming the first woman in more than a decade to drive a contemporary Williams F1 car.

At 28, Chadwick is already a highly accomplished driver, but even her extensive experience could not fully prepare her for the reality of an F1 machine at full speed around Portimão.

“It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience,” Chadwick reflected.

“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 10 times more.”

The significance of the occasion was not lost on Chadwick, who grew up watching Susie Wolff make her own mark with Williams.

Wolff became the first woman in 22 years to participate in an F1 race weekend when she took part in first practice at the 2014 British Grand Prix.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Atlassian Williams F1 Team for this opportunity. I remember being young and watching Wolff step into a Williams F1 car and how much that inspired my own journey,” she added.

“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 to the drivers coming through.”

From W Series champion to F1 machinery

Chadwick's test also adds her name to a growing list of female drivers who have been given an opportunity to drive a modern F1 car in recent years, following Wolff as well as Mercedes’ Doriane Pin, Aston Martin’s Jess Hawkins and Sauber’s Tatiana Calderon.

For Williams, however, the Portimão outing was about more than symbolism. The team was able to gather data ahead of F1's planned return to the circuit next year, while Chadwick provided feedback from behind the wheel of the 2025 car.

Williams team principal James Vowles praised the Briton's contribution while highlighting the broader significance of her opportunity.

“Jamie is an inspiration for millions of women and girls who has broken records at every level, and she has thoroughly earned this F1 test opportunity with Atlassian Williams F1 Team,” commented Vowles.

“Jamie gathered important data for the team as F1 prepares to return to Portimão next year, and her feedback and performance were impressive as we knew they would be.

“This clearly shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level, and I look forward to seeing how Jamie uses this experience to advance her own driving and advise our young drivers on what it takes to drive an F1 car.”

• Read also: Rosberg ‘shocked’ by Williams' dramatic regression under Vowles

For Chadwick, though, the professional benefits were matched by the sheer personal impact of finally getting her chance.

“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,” she concluded.

And with her Williams test now secured, Chadwick has also acquired something potentially just as valuable: the experience of driving an F1 car that she can carry forward in her own career and share with those following behind her.

Her historic outing will be featured by Sky Sports F1 during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.

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