Written by Alejandra Guajardo Lozano, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the racing world to the present day. Woman Spotlight Wednesday aims to take a look at the tales of these superwomen, who have surpassed various hurdles to reach where they are today.
This article has a special place in this series, as it marks an amazing accomplishment for the women in motorsports movement, this accomplishment made by the talented Jessica Hawkins.
Hawkins is a British racing driver and stunt driver, even featuring on the James Bond film “No Time to Die.” She is also an ambassador for Aston Martin F1 Team, and a former W Series driver.
Aston Martin F1 Team announced that the former W Series podium scorer had tested their 2021 model at Hungary. This made Hawkins the first woman since 2018 to test a modern Formula 1 car, the last one being Colombian driver Tatiana Calderón at Mexico City.
"I want to say a big thank you to everyone at AMF1 Team for having the trust in me, believing in me, and for giving me this opportunity," Hawkins said after the testing session.
"It's taken me every bit of blood, sweat and tears to get here. When I first heard it might be a possibility, I could hardly believe it.”
Hawkins completed a total of 26 laps around the Hungaroring, driving the AM21 alongside Aston Martin´s reserve and test driver Felipe Drugovich. She has been doing preparatory work on the team's simulator since last season. Consequently, she obtained really good results at her maiden outing in a real F1 car, receiving plenty of plaudits and praise from her whole team.
"This is a special moment - for both AMF1 Team and for Jessica, who is an important member of our driver squad," Mike Krack, Aston Martin’s team principal, commented.
"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.
"This has been a hugely significant moment in Jessica's journey with AMF1 Team and I am pleased we could give her this next step in her development journey by testing a modern Formula 1 car."
"Jessica excelled in her first F1 test.” Aston Martin evolution programme director Robert Sattler commented on the driver´s performance.
Seeing a female driver in a Formula 1 car has to be the most inspiring sight for any young girl, a role model, a talented woman showing that women have a place, and a future in motorsport. Jessica Hawkins has validated this point with her dedication and natural talent, acing her first ever Formula 1 testing. Hopefully, we’ll see many more women testing F1 cars, and maybe even a female role model in the F1 grid in the future. For now, Jessica Hawkins has truly shown how to race like a girl.
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