How David Brabham Mentors Jessica Hawkins' Racing Career

Aston Martin F1 Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins has formalized her long-standing relationship with David Brabham, appointing him as her manager. This move connects her with one of Australia's most legendary racing families and marks a significant step in her diverse career, which includes F1 testing, GT racing, and F1 Academy leadership.

Why it matters:

• Brabham's mentorship provides Hawkins with invaluable experience, guidance, and a respected presence within the F1 paddock, crucial for navigating the highly competitive world of motorsport.
• This partnership highlights the importance of strong support networks and experienced figures in fostering talent, especially for female drivers aiming to break barriers in F1 and other top-tier racing categories.
• Hawkins' multi-faceted career—encompassing racing, ambassadorial duties, and stunt work—demonstrates the varied pathways available in motorsport and the need for adaptable management.

The Details:

• A Personal Connection: Hawkins and Brabham's friendship spans nearly 20 years, stemming from when Hawkins competed against Brabham's son, Sam, in her early teens on the European karting circuit.
• Brabham's Role: Hawkins views Brabham as more than just a manager, considering him and his wife, Lisa, as close friends. He offers both professional guidance and emotional support, providing a 'kick up the ass' when needed and a 'shoulder to cry on'.
• Diverse Career Path: Hawkins' journey has been non-linear, progressing from UK karting and Formula 4 to tin-tops, stunt driving for Fast and Furious Live, and a return to competition in the W Series in 2019.
• Aston Martin Ambassador: Joining Aston Martin in 2021, her role has expanded to Head of Racing in F1 Academy for 2024, where she mentors young female drivers. She aims to provide hands-on, adaptable mentorship, recognizing that "each driver needs something different."
• GT World Challenge Europe Debut: In 2023, Hawkins made her rookie debut in the GT World Challenge Europe season with Comtoyou Racing, driving the #270 Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Despite challenges, she showcased impressive pace and racecraft, securing P12 in class at Barcelona.
• F1 Test Driver: In 2023, she became the first woman in nearly five years to drive an F1 car, testing an Aston Martin AMR21 at the Hungaroring. She has since had other F1 driving opportunities but emphasizes that any F1 test must have a clear "purpose," such as demo work or correlation testing, rather than being a 'token' appearance.
• Stunt Work: Beyond racing, Hawkins continues to explore diverse avenues, including stunt work for the James Bond film No Time To Die, an opportunity she would be open to revisiting if scheduling permits.

Looking Ahead:

With David Brabham now formally managing her career, Jessica Hawkins is well-positioned to maximize her potential across various motorsport and related ventures. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation through F1 Academy, coupled with her active racing career and high-profile F1 testing opportunities, solidifies her role as a significant figure in motorsport. Her focus on purposeful F1 engagements and continued openness to diverse projects like stunt work highlights a pragmatic and ambitious approach to her future in and out of racing.