Chadwick: Breaking into F1 is a little closer

Martin Macdonald
Monday 26 August 2019 15:30

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick insists she does not want to be handed a Formula 1 seat based on her gender, and is hoping to achieve her “ultimate goal” of breaking into F1 on merit.

This year saw the inaugural W Series take place, with 20 female drivers competing over six races to win the first-ever championship title. At the last race of the campaign at Brands Hatch, Chadwick finished fourth and subsequently gained enough points to be crowned champion.

The W Series was established to provide the opportunity for female drivers to shine in a sport which is traditionally male-dominated.

Even though Chadwick is proud of her achievements already, she is desperate to make it to F1 and make an impression based on her talent.

“It [making it to F1] would be unbelievable. It’s the ultimate goal. It’s every young driver’s dream,” she told talkSPORT.

“That dream becomes a little bit more of a closer reality with the relationship I have with Williams. I really want to achieve it for myself. I really want to be there on merit and because I deserve to be and fingers crossed that happens soon.”

Chadwick credits the work already done in her reserve driver role with Williams as being invaluable.

“[Working with Williams] has been unbelievable for me,” she added.

“Getting that kind of experience with an F1 team has been awesome. For it to be Williams, a British team who have so much history, has been extra special and I’ve learnt a lot from them so far.

“Now I’ve done the job that I needed to this year by securing the W Series Championship, I’m hoping that I can go to them with a bit more of an argument to do some more stuff for them next year.”