Chadwick joins Williams F1 development programme

W Series championship leader Jamie Chadwick has been signed to Williams’ driver academy and will take up a development role within the Formula 1 team.

Chadwick, the first female to win a BRDC British Formula 3 race and first winner in the new W Series, will take part in a busy simulator programme and support the F1 team both trackside and from its Grove-based factory.

The 21-year-old will attend three F1 races throughout the 2019 season, starting with the British Grand Prix in July.

“It is a great honour to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy,” Chadwick said.

“The time in the simulator is a fantastic opportunity to aid with my development. I look forward to spending time in the factory at Grove, immersing myself within the team and assisting wherever I can.

“Being a part of the Driver Academy is an amazing platform and I’m excited to get started.”

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams added: “I am delighted to confirm that Jamie Chadwick has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy in the role of Development Driver.

"I have had the pleasure of watching Jamie race first hand in Hockenheim where she claimed victory at the season opening W Series race. Alongside her on-track commitments, Jamie will undertake simulator work for Williams, be immersed both trackside and at the factory with the team and will participate in marketing activities.

"Promoting women in motorsport is extremely important and having a female role model as part of our Driver Academy will hopefully inspire young girls to take up racing at a young age. We hope to show that motorsport is inclusive and exciting, be that as a driver or on the engineering side. Jamie is a great talent and I look forward to working with her.”