By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Williams Racing has announced that W Series standout Jamie Chadwick has signed with the team and will take up the role as its development driver.
The 21-year-old Brit will be integrated with the Grove-based outfit trackside for three events throughout the 2019 season, starting with the British Grand Prix. In addition to her media and marketing obligations, she will put it extensive simulator work at the factory.
“It is a great honor 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.”
Chadwick claimed the British GT4 Championship in 2015, won the MRF Winter Series in 2018/19, as well as became a race winner in British Formula 3 and the inaugural winner of the first W Series race earlier this month. Those achievements are all historically unprecedented for a female racing driver.
Claire Williams, deputy team principal of Williams Racing, added her excitement in adding Chadwick to their lineup.
“I am delighted to confirm that Jamie Chadwick has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy in the role of Development Driver,” Williams said.
“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.”
