Jamie Chadwick makes F1 debut in important Williams test

Jamie Chadwick has finally sampled Formula 1 machinery, completing 32 laps in Williams' 2025 FW47 during a TPC test at Portimão on Monday. The three-time W Series champion became the first British woman to drive an F1 car since Jessica Hawkins in 2023, and the first woman in a Williams since Susie Wolff's FP1 appearances in 2015.

Why it matters:

This test isn't just a personal milestone. Chadwick serves as a mentor to Williams' F1 Academy driver Jade Jacquet, and her experience reinforces the growing pathway for women to reach the top level. For Williams, the running also provided valuable track data ahead of F1's return to Portimão in 2027.

The details:

• Chadwick drove the FW47 that Carlos Sainz guided to two podiums and a Sprint third in 2025.
• She is the first woman to drive an F1 car since Mercedes' Doriane Pin tested a 2021 machine earlier this year.
• The 27-year-old made history in 2024 as the first woman to win an Indy NXT race, and currently races in the European Le Mans Series.
• Williams boss James Vowles called Chadwick "an inspiration for millions of women and girls" and praised her feedback and performance.

What's next:

Chadwick said the experience was "everything I imagined and 10 times more" and hopes to inspire the next generation. She'll now apply these learnings to her own racing and her advisory role with Williams' young drivers. As Vowles put it, this clearly shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level.