Jamie Chadwick becomes part of a select group following her test with Williams F1.

Photo: Motorsport.com

Jamie Chadwick has made history as the latest woman to pilot a Formula 1 car after participating in a Testing of Previous Cars program for Williams at Portimao.

The 28-year-old completed 32 laps in Portugal on Monday in last year's FW47, fulfilling her role as a development driver for the British team.

This achievement makes her the second female driver to operate an F1 car this year, following Doriane Pin's test with Mercedes, and the first for Williams since Susie Wolff in 2015.

The test has further enhanced Chadwick's illustrious career, where she has secured three W Series championships, race victories in Indy NXT and the European Le Mans Series, along with serving as a test driver for the Genesis Hypercar program.

Chadwick, who has been connected with Williams since 2019, expressed, "It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience."

“Very few things can prepare you for the thrill of driving a Formula 1 car at speed on a circuit like Portimao.

Jamie Chadwick, Williams

“But it was everything I envisioned and exponentially more. I’m extremely thankful to the Atlassian Williams F1 Team for this chance.

“I recall being young and watching Susie Wolff step into a Williams F1 car and how much that fueled my own aspirations.

“I hope to inspire the next generation in the same way, and the insights I gained today will significantly impact my racing and what I can share with upcoming drivers.

“I’m very appreciative and truly delighted with how the day unfolded. It’s a moment I’ll cherish for a long time - I’d go so far as to say it’s been the best day of my life to date."

This test also precedes the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao next year, with the Algarve circuit having previously hosted the event in 2020 and 2021.

“Jamie Chadwick serves as an inspiration to countless women and girls who have shattered records at every level,” stated Williams team principal James Vowles.

Jamie Chadwick, Williams

“She has genuinely earned this opportunity to test with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team.

"Jamie collected valuable data for the team as F1 gears up to return to Portimao next year.

“Her feedback and performance were impressive, just as we anticipated. This clearly demonstrates that there is a pathway for women to compete at the highest level.

“I look forward to seeing how Jamie leverages this experience to enhance her own driving skills and guide our young drivers on what it takes to operate an F1 car.”

Jamie Chadwick becomes part of a select group following her test with Williams F1. — Africa Sport News