Jamie Chadwick's first F1 test with Williams: 'Best day of my life so far'

Jamie Chadwick has driven a Formula 1 car for the first time, taking the wheel of a Williams at Portimao in Portugal. The three-time W Series champion called the experience 'the best day of my life so far,' a moment that marked the culmination of years of work inside the Williams driver programme.

Why it matters:

Chadwick's test is a significant step for Williams' efforts to champion female talent in motorsport. It also gives the British driver a valuable reference point, proving that the path from W Series to an F1 cockpit, while still narrow, is not completely closed.

The details:

• Chadwick drove the Williams F1 car at the Algarve International Circuit, a demanding track with high-speed corners and elevation changes.
• She has been part of Williams' development set-up since 2019, working in the simulator and supporting the race team.
• The test was part of Williams' driver development programme, giving Chadwick her first experience of F1's downforce, braking and physical loads.
• She said she had dreamed of this opportunity since childhood and thanked the team for making it happen.

What's next:

Chadwick will continue racing away from F1, but her relationship with Williams remains a key part of her development. With more testing opportunities likely as the season progresses, this first run at Portimao could be the start of a deeper role with the team.