Chadwick retains place in the Williams Academy

Henry Valantine
Jamie Chadwick in W Series testing. Barcelona March 2022.

Williams development driver Jamie Chadwick in the garage during W Series testing. Barcelona March 2022.

Jamie Chadwick will stay in Williams’ Racing Driver Academy for a fourth season, the team have confirmed.

Chadwick, who has won the W Series title in both of its seasons, has expanded her racing commitments and took part in Extreme E last season, having finished ninth in the Formula Regional European Championship in 2020.

She will continue in W Series for the season ahead, having recently completed pre-season testing in Barcelona for the all-female series.

Chadwick will combine her on-track activity with the continuation of her work in the Williams Formula 1 simulator, and the retention of her W Series title gave her enough FIA Super Licence points to qualify to run in an F1 free practice session should she be called upon.

“I’m delighted to continue working with the Williams team,” Chadwick said upon the announcement.

“I’ve had a lot of support from everyone there throughout the last three years and the simulator work I’ve done has been hugely valuable in my race campaigns.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my work throughout the 2022 season and I know the team will be cheering me on during my 2022 W Series campaign. I’m really proud to continue representing the Williams name on the grid.”

Williams team principal Jost Capito believes Chadwick needs to enter the FIA Formula 3 grid at some point in the future, to put her on the path to Formula 1 by featuring regularly on the top tier’s support calendar.

Sven Smeets, Williams’ sporting director, is glad to see her continue with the team as she carries out her work in the simulator, alongside her position as being a “fantastic ambassador” for females in motorsport.

“We are incredibly pleased Jamie will continue to be part of our team,” said Smeets.

 

“Her immensely impressive performance in the 2021 W Series Championship only reinforced our appreciation for her talent and skill, and we were delighted to play a part in her commendable success.

“Jamie’s role in promoting female inclusion in motorsport continues to be both hugely important and admirable. She is a fantastic ambassador for the sport and we are looking forward to working with her throughout the 2022 season.”

Chadwick will aim for a third W Series title by joining Jenner Racing, the newly-launched team with Caitlyn Jenner at the helm, and the season will get under way on the Formula 1 support bill in Miami in May.

 

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