Historic Formula 1 Test
Jamie Chadwick becomes the first woman to test a Formula 1 car since April.
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Key Points
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Before the test, Chadwick completed a preparation programme that included gym work, simulator running and a seat fitting.
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Chadwick joined Williams as a development driver in 2019, and in 2024 became the first woman to win a road-course race in the Indy NXT series.
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Susie Wolff made history as the first woman in 22 years to take part in an F1 race weekend when she drove in first practice at the 2014 British Grand Prix; a technical problem limited her run to four laps.
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Williams team principal James Vowles said Chadwick had “thoroughly earned” the test opportunity and described her as an inspiration for millions of women and girls.
Jamie Chadwick made history as the first woman to test a Formula 1 car since April, piloting Williams' 2025 FW47 at Portugal's Portimão circuit. The three-time W Series champion completed 32 laps in the Testing of Previous Cars session, marking a major milestone in her racing career F1i.
Chadwick becomes only the second woman ever to test for Williams, following Susie Wolff in 2015. She called the day "one of the best experiences of my life," while team principal James Vowels said she had "thoroughly earned" the opportunity and called her an inspiration for millions of women and girls Freedom 96.9.
A Decade-Long Wait Ends for Women in F1
No woman has driven an F1 car since Doriane Pin tested for Mercedes in April. Chadwick's test breaks that 8-month drought and signals renewed momentum for female representation in motorsport's top series. No woman has started an F1 Grand Prix in 50 years Head Topics.
Susie Wolff previously made history in 2014 when she became the first woman in 22 years to participate in an F1 race weekend at the British Grand Prix. However, a technical problem limited her to just four laps F1i.
Chadwick's Path From W Series to Williams
Chadwick joined Williams as a development driver back in 2019. In 2024, she became the first woman to win a road-course race in the Indy NXT series, proving her competitive edge at the highest levels of racing Freedom 96.9.
Before stepping into the F1 car, Chadwick completed an intensive preparation program. This included gym work, extensive simulator running, and a custom seat fitting to ensure she was race-ready for the 32-lap outing F1i.
Williams Gathers Data for Portimão's F1 Return
The test served a dual purpose: giving Chadwick valuable track time and collecting technical data for Williams. The circuit is scheduled to return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027, making this test run strategically important Head Topics.
Chadwick's performance impressed the team, with Williams praising her technical feedback during the session. She expressed hope that her achievement will inspire the next generation of female drivers to pursue careers at racing's highest level F1i.
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