Jamie Chadwick completes Williams F1 test at Portimão

Jamie Chadwick has become the latest woman to drive a Formula 1 car, completing a private test with Williams Racing at the Portimão circuit in Portugal. As part of her role as a development driver for the British team, the 28-year-old completed 32 laps in the FW47 chassis.

Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, noted the significance of the event, citing the inspiration she drew from watching Susie Wolff drive for Williams in the past. She described the experience as “phenomenal” and “everything I imagined and 10 times more.”

This test marks the first time a woman has driven a contemporary Williams F1 car since Wolff in 2015. The outing also allowed the team to gather data ahead of the potential return of the Portuguese Grand Prix to the F1 calendar.