The three-time W Series champion completed 32 laps in the FW47 at Portimão, becoming only the second woman to test a Williams Formula 1 car

News Summary

Jamie Chadwick completed her first test in a modern Williams Formula 1 car at Portimão, describing the experience as “the best day of my life so far”.

The 28-year-old drove the FW47 during a Testing of Previous Cars session at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve on Monday, September 21. Chadwick completed 32 laps—or approximately 149km— around the Portuguese circuit.

Williams said she impressed the team with her pace and technical feedback while also collecting information before Portimão returns to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027.

The test made Chadwick only the second woman to drive a Williams F1 car, following current F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff, whose final Williams appearance came in 2015.

Chadwick is also the first British woman to drive a modern Formula 1 car since Jess Hawkins tested an Aston Martin AMR21 at the Hungaroring in 2023.

Chadwick: “Everything I imagined and 10 times more”

Chadwick prepared for the test through an extensive programme involving physical training, simulator sessions and a seat fitting at Williams’ Grove headquarters.

The British driver said the speed and physical demands of the FW47 exceeded her expectations. “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,” Chadwick said.

Her relationship with Williams began in 2019, when she joined the team’s driver academy. Since then, she has won three W Series championships, competed in Indy NXT and moved into international endurance racing.

Chadwick also highlighted the influence Wolff’s Williams career had on her own ambitions. “I remember being young and watching Susie Wolff step into a Williams F1 car and how much that inspired my own journey. I’d love to be able to do the same for the next generation,” she explained.

The complete preparation process and test will be shown through content produced by Williams and Sky Sports F1 during the Azerbaijan GP weekend.

Chadwick considered the Portimão opportunity the most significant experience of her career. “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,” she added.

Why Williams used the 2025 FW47

The test was conducted under F1’s TPC regulations, which allow teams to operate eligible previous-generation cars outside official Grand Prix weekends.

Chadwick drove the FW47 used during the 2025 season, when Williams claimed three podium results and secured its best Constructors’ Championship finish since 2017.

Using a recent car allowed her to experience systems and performance levels considerably closer to contemporary Formula 1 than the historic FW08C she previously drove at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Portimão also gave the session additional technical value. The circuit will host the Portuguese GP on June 18–20, 2027, as part of the 24-round F1 calendar confirmed for next season.

Team principal James Vowles said Chadwick’s work contributed useful information before F1 returns to Portugal. “Jamie gathered important data for the team as F1 prepares to return to Portimão next year, and her feedback and performance were impressive, as we knew they would be,” Vowles said.

Test adds another dimension to F1 Academy role

Chadwick currently serves as a Williams ambassador and F1 Academy adviser, mentoring the team’s young female drivers and helping them develop their racecraft.

Williams believes experiencing a contemporary F1 car will allow her to provide more detailed guidance about the physical, technical and mental demands drivers face at the top of the single-seater ladder.

Her latest student, Jade Jacquet, became the first female driver to win a French Formula 4 race last Sunday.

Vowles argued that the test demonstrated a tangible route towards the highest level of motorsport. “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,” he said.

Chadwick’s immediate racing career remains focused on endurance competition. She races for IDEC Sport in the European Le Mans Series and serves as Genesis Magma Racing’s reserve driver ahead of the manufacturer’s full FIA World Endurance Championship programme.

GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every session of the Azerbaijan GP LIVE and in REAL TIME.

F1 today: FAQ

Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?

The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.

What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?

The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.

Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?

Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.

Which Williams F1 car did Jamie Chadwick drive?

Chadwick drove the FW47 used by Williams during the 2025 Formula 1 season.