In a historic moment for motorsports, Britain’s very own Jessica Hawkins has shattered the glass ceiling in Formula 1, becoming the first woman to test an F1 car in nearly five years. This remarkable achievement took place at the Hungaroring near Budapest, where Hawkins completed an impressive 26 laps in Aston Martin’s 2021 car. The news was officially unveiled by Aston Martin on a Tuesday, following a top-secret test that occurred the previous Thursday.
Hawkins, a former competitor in the now-defunct all-female W Series, shared her thoughts on this momentous occasion, saying, “It’s taken me every bit of blood, sweat, and tears to get here. I’ve had to keep it secret for months now, which was pretty hard. It’s been absolutely worth it and it’s given me really valuable insight.”
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the lengthy gap since the last woman tested an F1 car. The most recent was Tatiana Calderon of Colombia, who had her chance with Sauber (now Alfa Romeo) at the Hermanos Rodriguez track in Mexico City back in October 2018. Before that, Susie Wolff was the last woman to compete in a practice session in 2015. Astonishingly, a female driver has not started a Grand Prix since the legendary Italian driver Lella Lombardi back in 1976.
Jessica Hawkins is not your ordinary racer; she’s a former British karting champion and even had a taste of the glitz and glamour of the silver screen as a stunt driver in the James Bond movie ‘No Time To Die.’ She joined Aston Martin as a driver ambassador in 2021, bringing her incredible talent and determination to the team.
Reflecting on her experience behind the wheel of an F1 car, Hawkins said, “Nothing will compare to the acceleration and braking of a Formula 1 car, and having looked at the data, I’m really proud of my performance. I’ll keep pushing for more, and in the process, I want to inspire other women and let them know they should follow their dream no matter what it is.”
Aston Martin’s team principal, Mike Krack, expressed his admiration for Jessica’s preparation, stating, “We were really impressed by Jessica’s preparation for the test – she worked incredibly hard with our simulator team, and that made it an easy decision to put her in the AMR21. Jessica approached the opportunity with great maturity; she was up to speed quickly and found a nice rhythm.”
In a sport often dominated by men, Jessica Hawkins has broken down barriers and opened up new possibilities for women in Formula 1. Her journey to this historic moment has undoubtedly been one of determination, skill, and passion. As she continues to pave the way for future generations of female racers, her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for all, reminding us that with dedication and belief, dreams can become reality, even in the high-speed world of Formula 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jessica Hawkins Formula 1 Test
What is the significance of Jessica Hawkins testing an F1 car?
Jessica Hawkins testing an F1 car is a historic moment because she is the first woman to do so in almost five years. This achievement breaks a long-standing barrier in Formula 1 and opens up new possibilities for female racers.
When and where did Jessica Hawkins complete her F1 test?
Jessica Hawkins completed her F1 test at the Hungaroring near Budapest. The test took place on a Thursday and was announced by Aston Martin on a subsequent Tuesday.
Who was the last woman to test an F1 car before Jessica Hawkins?
Before Jessica Hawkins, the last woman to test an F1 car was Tatiana Calderon from Colombia, who had the opportunity with Sauber (now Alfa Romeo) at the Hermanos Rodriguez track in Mexico City in October 2018.
Are there any other notable female racers in Formula 1?
While Jessica Hawkins is a trailblazer, the history of female participation in Formula 1 is limited. The last woman to compete in a practice session was Susie Wolff in 2015, and the last female driver to start a Grand Prix was Italian driver Lella Lombardi in 1976.
What is Jessica Hawkins’ background in racing?
Jessica Hawkins is a former British karting champion and has also worked as a stunt driver in the James Bond movie ‘No Time To Die.’ She joined Aston Martin as a driver ambassador in 2021, showcasing her diverse talent and dedication to motorsports.
What were Jessica Hawkins’ impressions of testing an F1 car?
According to Jessica Hawkins, testing an F1 car was an unparalleled experience. She mentioned that nothing compares to the acceleration and braking of a Formula 1 car. She also expressed pride in her performance after reviewing the data.
How does Jessica Hawkins hope to inspire others through her achievement?
Jessica Hawkins aims to inspire other women by showing them that they should follow their dreams, regardless of the field. Her groundbreaking accomplishment serves as a source of motivation for aspiring female racers and highlights the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself.
What did Aston Martin’s team principal, Mike Krack, say about Jessica Hawkins’ test?
Mike Krack, Aston Martin’s team principal, praised Jessica Hawkins for her preparation and maturity in approaching the test. He mentioned that she worked extensively with the simulator team and quickly adapted to the car, making the decision to put her in the AMR21 an easy one.
More about Jessica Hawkins Formula 1 Test
- Aston Martin Announcement: Read the official announcement by Aston Martin regarding Jessica Hawkins’ historic F1 test.
- Tatiana Calderon’s F1 Test: Learn more about Tatiana Calderon’s previous F1 test with Sauber (now Alfa Romeo) in 2018.
- Susie Wolff’s F1 Career: Explore Susie Wolff’s career as a female driver in Formula 1 and her participation in practice sessions.
- Lella Lombardi’s Legacy: Discover the legacy of Lella Lombardi, the last female driver to start a Grand Prix in 1976.
- Jessica Hawkins’ Racing Background: Find out more about Jessica Hawkins’ background in racing, including her karting achievements and her role as a stunt driver in ‘No Time To Die.’
- Aston Martin Team: Visit Aston Martin’s official team page to learn about their involvement in Formula 1 and their driver ambassador, Jessica Hawkins.
- Women in Motorsports: Explore the broader context of women’s participation in motorsports and the efforts to promote gender equality in the racing world.
