Jamie Chadwick has driven a Formula 1 car for the first time, taking the wheel of Williams' 2025 machine at Portimao in Portugal on Monday and calling the experience the "best day of my life so far".
The 28-year-old British driver, who serves as a Williams ambassador and Sky Sports F1 pundit while competing in the European Le Mens Series, completed 32 laps around the Algarve circuit under F1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations. The test marked a significant milestone in her racing career and continued a rare recent sequence of women drivers gaining access to contemporary F1 machinery.
Chadwick joined Williams as a development driver in 2019 and has since amassed an impressive record across multiple racing categories. She claimed all three championships in the all-female W Series and became the first woman to secure a road course victory in the US-based Indy NXT series in 2024. Her role at Williams includes simulator work at the team's Grove headquarters, providing her with valuable preparation for this on-track opportunity.
Reflecting on her day behind the wheel, Chadwick expressed her gratitude and amazement at the experience.
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 Portimao, but it was everything I imagined and 10 times more.
She highlighted the personal significance of the moment, drawing inspiration from those who came before her.
I'm incredibly grateful to Atlassian Williams F1 Team for this opportunity. I remember being young and watching Susie Wolff step into a Williams F1 car and how much that inspired my own journey.
Looking ahead to her influence on future generations, Chadwick spoke about her ambitions to inspire others.
I'd love to be able to do the same for the next generation, and the experience I gained today will make a real difference both to my own racing and to what I can pass on to the drivers coming through.
She concluded by emphasising the magnitude of the achievement.
I'm so grateful and incredibly happy with how the day went. It's an experience I'll remember for a very long time - I'd go as far as saying it's been the best day of my life so far.
A rare opportunity in women's F1 testing
Chadwick's test represents the first time a woman has driven an F1 car since reigning F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin tested a 2021 Mercedes at Silverstone in April 2025. Britain's Jessica Hawkins previously drove a 2021 Aston Martin in Hungary during 2023, making such opportunities exceptionally rare for female drivers.
The broader history of women in F1 testing remains limited. Susie Wolff holds the distinction of being the last woman to compete in Friday practice sessions, completing four appearances across the 2014 and 2015 seasons for Williams. Italian driver Lella Lombardi remains the last woman to start a Grand Prix, achieving that feat in 1976.
Williams team principal James Vowles praised Chadwick's achievement and its significance for the sport.
Jamie Chadwick 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 with Atlassian Williams F1 Team.
Vowles emphasised the practical value of the test for the team's future plans.
Jamie gathered important data for the team as F1 prepares to return to Portimao next year, and her feedback and performance were impressive as we knew they would be.
He also stressed the broader message the test sends to aspiring drivers.
This clearly shows there is a path for women to compete at the top level, and I look forward to seeing how Jamie uses this experience to advance her own driving and advise our young drivers on what it takes to drive an F1 car.
Preparation and physical demands
Before heading to Portugal, Chadwick outlined the rigorous preparation required for an F1 test. She explained her approach to getting ready for the challenge.
I did half a day in the sim, the seat fit and all the kind of procedural stuff that you do beforehand. And then I have actually been upping the neck training a lot.
She noted the significant physical conditioning needed to handle the demands of a modern F1 car.
Obviously racing LMP2, I train my neck anyway, but that is naturally stepped up for an F1 test.
Chadwick revealed that she received guidance from an F1 driver during her preparation.
George Russell's been helping me a little bit with the preparation. I woke up the next morning after the first proper day of neck training I did with him, and I could barely move my head!
She used this experience to reflect on the physical toll F1 places on its competitors.
So it's incredible, actually, when you realise what they are going through in terms of not just in the car, but also the training that they have to do for the necks at the moment. It's crazy.
Understanding Portimao's challenges
Having previously raced at Portimao in the European Le Mans Series, Chadwick was familiar with the circuit's layout. However, she sought advice from other drivers about tackling it in an F1 car.
I've spoken to quite a few drivers about it. Ollie Berman said mentally it's one of the toughest tracks, actually. Just this flow of it is very undulating. There's a lot going on. In the mind it's very busy.
Despite the mental demands, she received encouragement from her peers.
But most have just said to enjoy it.
Chadwick reflected on how her existing role with Sky Sports has enhanced her understanding of F1.
I feel like I learn a huge amount from Formula 1 just generally in the role that I have with Sky Sports, which has helped me a lot in all the other stuff that I'm doing.
She anticipated that the test would take her learning to a new level.
But I think this is going to take a new, extreme one from that.
Context for Williams and future testing
The timing of Chadwick's test comes as Williams prepares for significant changes to its F1 programme. The team has indicated it will miss the opening 2026 F1 test in Barcelona due to delays in its 2026 car development, suggesting that testing schedules may shift around the original calendar.
Portimao itself remains an active testing venue for top teams. Williams completed a separate Portimao test in July 2026 with McLaren also running there, demonstrating the circuit's continued importance in the F1 testing calendar.
Beyond her F1 commitments, Chadwick's racing portfolio continues to expand. Genesis confirmed her as a 2026 WEC reserve after a Hypercar test, adding to her existing responsibilities in multiple racing series and her development role with Williams.
What comes next
Chadwick's immediate focus will likely remain on her existing racing commitments and her reserve-driver obligations across multiple series. Williams' 2026 car programme challenges mean that the team's next confirmed public testing appearances may not follow the original schedule, potentially affecting when Chadwick might have further opportunities in F1 machinery.
The significance of her Portimao test extends beyond the data gathered for Williams. It reinforces that pathways exist for women to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, provided they demonstrate the talent, dedication and preparation that Chadwick has consistently shown throughout her career.
