After a successful test drive in late 2023, Jessica Hawkins, the first woman since 2018 to command a Formula 1 car, is primed to return to a full-time racing programme. Hawkins tested the Aston Martin AMR21 at the Hungaroring, a significant move for the Aston Martin team where she has held a key role as a driver ambassador.
Hawkins, now 30, has made significant strides in her career, becoming a beacon of aspiration for budding female drivers. She has clinched podium finishes and scored regular points in the now-defunct W Series, proving herself as a formidable contender in the racing arena.
Hawkins’ performance at the Hungaroring was not just a milestone for her career, but it also elevated her status within the Aston Martin team. Her unpublicized lap times were so impressive that Nico Rosberg, 2016 F1 World Champion, publicly praised her during a televised interview post-test. Rosberg, privy to Hawkins’ lap times, lauded her for her “rapid” performance in comparison to the official test driver.
Hawkins humbly acknowledged her successful outing on the Hungarian circuit. Speaking about the test drive, she confessed that she was pleasantly surprised by her performance. Although she admitted to being hard on herself, Hawkins confirmed that she was proud of her performance during the test.
Despite being aware of the formidable challenge that racing in Formula 1 would present, Hawkins expressed her readiness to take it on, “I’d feel ready for it,” she asserted. She also acknowledged the immense role Aston Martin played in her career growth, crediting the team for providing her with the tools she needed to progress.
While her future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, Hawkins remains hopeful, “I’m aware that the chances are very, very slim. But you can never rule anything out,” she said. Aside from her F1 prospects, Hawkins is also focusing on the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and preparing for a Le Mans challenge in the upcoming years.
In a recent development, Aston Martin announced a multi-year partnership with Arm, focusing on technology and inclusion in motorsport. Hawkins has been named as Arm’s official ambassador, reinforcing her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for women in motorsport.
Hawkins stressed the importance of increasing female participation in Formula 1 and ensuring that motorsport is a safe and welcoming space for women. She also emphasized the need to continue promoting the message to young girls and students that the world of motorsport is open to all, irrespective of gender.
As she gears up for a full season ahead, Jessica Hawkins continues to inspire and break barriers in the world of motorsport, proving that the fast lane is no longer a man’s world.
