Jamie Chadwick’s path to becoming an NTT IndyCar Series driver hit a critical checkpoint recently, as she took on one of the toughest tests of her career at the grueling Barber Motorsports Park. Known for her small stature, the Briton has undergone a dramatic physical transformation since joining Andretti Global in 2023, adding muscle in all the right places to control the heavier, faster, and more physically demanding IndyCar.
After earning her first NXT pole and victory en route to a seventh-place finish in the 2024 championship, Chadwick is eyeing a future in IndyCar. But Monday’s test in the No. 25 Dallara-Honda IndyCar, a machine far more powerful than her NXT car, served as an eye-opener. While her lap times were competitive, she acknowledged that her upper body strength—critical for controlling the car in high-speed corners—needs to improve.
The Brutal Reality of IndyCar: Strength and Speed
“It was just an incredible day,” Chadwick reflected. “The step from Indy NXT to IndyCar is manageable in some respects, but the torque in the steering, especially in the high-speed corners, was something I really had to wrestle with.” Despite rigorous training, Chadwick admits there’s still a steep physical climb ahead. Her best lap was just over a second behind Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich, highlighting the importance of strength in shaving off crucial tenths of a second in those high-speed turns.
Craig Hampson, Andretti’s head of IndyCar engineering, confirmed Chadwick’s prowess in slower corners but pointed out where she needs to improve: “There are three high-speed corners here where you can make big chunks of lap time, and that’s where she wasn’t able to get the full potential out of the car.”
Chadwick’s Next Challenge: Mastering the Physical Demands
The test at Barber was a reality check, but it also fueled Chadwick’s determination. “There’s so much that feels within reach with IndyCar, but it’s a big step physically,” she said. With the prospect of modifying the car’s steering setup or intensifying her training regimen, Chadwick remains focused on the end goal. “You get in a car like that, and you don’t want to get out of it.”
The 25-year-old is now at a crossroads. Andretti has made it clear that a third season in Indy NXT would see her as a title contender, but with no vacancies in the IndyCar team, Chadwick faces a difficult decision: stick with Andretti or leave the team to pursue an IndyCar ride in 2025.
A Hunger for IndyCar Glory
Chadwick is not willing to settle for mediocrity. “I don’t want to just make up the numbers in IndyCar,” she stated. “I want to be there because I deserve to be there, and I know I can be competitive.” With the support of key figures from Andretti and advice from IndyCar driver Kyle Kirkwood, Chadwick has all the tools to succeed. But the next phase of her journey will involve intense training and strategic decisions.
“Kyle is someone I’ve learned a lot from,” she said, reflecting on the guidance she’s received from Kirkwood and other Andretti engineers. “Their feedback has been invaluable, and I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by such a strong team.”
The Road Ahead: IndyCar or NXT?
With her sights set firmly on IndyCar, Chadwick is now at a pivotal point in her career. Whether she stays with Andretti for another season in Indy NXT or takes the leap to IndyCar, one thing is clear: Jamie Chadwick’s hunger for success knows no bounds. The grueling test at Barber has only stoked the fire, and with the right support, she could very well become the next big star in the NTT IndyCar Series.
Photo from Jamie Chadwick Instagram
