Jamie Chadwick Marks a Milestone with Maiden F1 Test for Williams in Portimão
Jamie Chadwick recently became the first woman in over a decade to test a Williams F1 car, completing 32 laps at Portimão. Her test marks a significant step in her ongoing partnership with the team and her role as an ambassador.
Jamie Chadwick has added another feather to her cap, becoming the first woman since Susie Wolff in 2015 to test drive a Williams F1 car. Taking the wheel of the 2025 FW47, Chadwick completed 32 laps at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, continuing her pioneering journey in motorsport.
Chadwick's run wasn't just a leisurely spin around the track. It was the culmination of a rigorous preparation program that included gym workouts, simulator sessions, and a custom seat fitting. Her efforts were not just personal; they were also instrumental in gathering data for Williams as they gear up for Portugal's return to the F1 calendar in 2027.
The test was part of Chadwick's long-standing relationship with Williams, where she serves as a Team Ambassador and F1 Academy Adviser. Her experience places her among a select group of women who've had the opportunity to drive an F1 car, joining the ranks of Wolff, Maria Teresa de Filippis, and Lella Lombardi.
Reflecting on the experience, Chadwick said, "It was a phenomenal day and an incredible experience. Few things can prepare you for driving a Formula 1 car at speed around a track like Portimão, but it was everything I imagined and 10 times more."
She expressed gratitude to the Atlassian Williams F1 Team, recalling how seeing Wolff in a Williams car inspired her own journey. Chadwick hopes her experience will similarly inspire the next generation of drivers and enhance her own racing skills.
Team Principal James Vowles praised Chadwick, noting, "Jamie is an inspiration for millions of women and girls who has broken records at every level, and she has thoroughly earned this F1 test opportunity. Her feedback and performance were impressive, and this clearly shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level."
Chadwick's journey with Williams began in 2019, and her latest accomplishment will be shared with fans via Sky F1's social channels during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the test.
Chadwick's Portimão test is more than just a personal achievement; it's a testament to her role in paving the way for future female racers, showing that the path from the academy to the F1 track is indeed viable.