Amid an increasing participation of women in the sport, the old yearning to see one again in Formula 1 continues. It has been many decades since she last managed to qualify for a top-flight race, despite Several failed attempts in the 1980s and early 1990s, and some, like Lewis Hamilton, believe it is time to change that story.
However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently admitted that ‘to be honest’ he did not expect a woman to rise to the top of racing any time soon, as the system needs to be improved so that ‘girls are at the same level than children of the same age’, and thus be able to compete in Formula 3 and Formula 2, the prelude to Formula 1.
One of the great hopes of those who want to see a woman in F1 is Jamie Chadwick, 24, champion of the first two seasons of the 100% women’s W Series championship, and on her way to being crowned for the third time.
Chadwick has been a Williams development driver in F1 since 2019, but has yet to enjoy the opportunity to publicly measure himself against men. The Briton wants to be on the F1 grid in the 2027 season and become the first woman to score points in a race after Lella Lombardi , who did so at the 1976 Austrian GP.
Responding to Domenicali’s words in The Guardian, Chadwick said: “To be honest, it doesn’t really bother me.”
“It’s just extra motivation. It’s absolutely my goal to try to get to Formula 1 in the next five years. In that period of time I have a lot to achieve, but my goal is to be successful in F1 five years from now through the correct access categories”.
“I know that I will be in Formula 1 if I follow the right path and do well in the lower categories. To participate in F1, I want to compete in the top categories and be successful in those championships.”
“I need support and surround myself with people who believe in it and really see it as possible.”
Chadwick, who tested in Indy Lights with the Andretti Autosport team at Sebring , admitted that category could be an option for her in 2023.
“Nothing is clear yet, I’m still looking at my options,” he said. “Negotiations are underway in both Europe and America,” he concluded.
Will we see her in F1 before 2030?
