Chadwick completes landmark Williams F1 test at Portimao

Jamie Chadwick completed her first Formula 1 test at Portimao, turning 32 laps in Williams' 2025 FW47 under the team's Testing of Previous Cars program. The three-time W Series champion became only the second woman to drive a Williams F1 car — following Susie Wolff in 2015 — and the first British woman to drive modern F1 machinery since Jessica Hawkins in 2023.

Why it matters:

The test marks another milestone in a career defined by breaking barriers. Chadwick's ties to Williams date back to 2019, and Vowles said the opportunity "clearly shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level."

The details:

• Chadwick prepared with simulator work, physical training and a seat fitting at Williams' Grove base.
• The test held extra value with Portimao returning to the F1 calendar in 2027 — she gathered data and technical feedback throughout.
• "It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience," Chadwick said.
• Her career includes the first female British GT title (2015), three straight W Series crowns (2019–2022) and an Indy NXT win at Road America in 2024.
• She's since added an LMP2 class win in ELMS and became the first woman to drive a Hypercar at the Le Mans Test Day this year.

What's next:

Chadwick is a reserve driver for Genesis Magma Racing's WEC program. Vowles said she "thoroughly earned this F1 test opportunity." She joins a select group of women to have driven F1 cars — Wolff, de Filippis and Lella Lombardi, the latter still the only woman to score world championship points.