Jessica Hawkins Makes History as First Female F1 Test Driver in Five Years

Jessica Hawkins becomes the first female Formula One test driver in nearly five years. Aston Martin Formula One team recently confirmed this groundbreaking achievement, marking a significant step forward for gender inclusivity in motorsports.  

The 28-year-old British racing sensation completed a successful test drive for the team, propelling her into the spotlight and setting a new precedent for female participation in Formula One. 

Image: Andrew Ferraro

Hawkins embarked on her journey to Formula One from humble beginnings, initially gaining recognition as a British karting champion. Her undeniable talent behind the wheel led her to further achievements, including podium finishes in the W Series, a women-only single-seater racing championship. Her impressive resume also boasts an intriguing stint as a stunt driver in a James Bond film, adding to her diverse motorsport experiences. 

The momentous occasion took place at the iconic Hungaroring circuit in Budapest, Hungary. Jessica Hawkins took to the track in an Aston Martin AMR21, the team's race car from the 2021 season, making her the first woman in half a decade to pilot a contemporary Formula One car. During this memorable event, Hawkins completed 26 laps around the circuit, showcasing her skill and determination on one of Formula One's most challenging tracks. 

Preparing for this momentous day required extensive training and simulation work. Hawkins diligently prepared for the test on the Aston Martin simulator, honing her skills and familiarizing herself with the intricacies of the AMR21. Her dedication and commitment to her craft were evident in her stellar performance on the track. 

Image: Getty Images

Robert Sattler, the team's Evolution Program Director, was high in his praise of Hawkins, stating that she had an excellent run at the Hungaroring, clearly demonstrating her ability to adapt to the high-performance world of Formula One. For Jessica Hawkins, this test drive was nothing short of a dream come true, one she had been working tirelessly towards for a significant portion of her life. 

Reflecting on her historic drive, Hawkins shared her excitement and optimism, saying, "Getting used to driving the Aston Martin AMR21 has been a dream come true for me and one I've been ready for for a long time. I'll keep pushing for more, and in the process, I want to inspire other women and let them know that they should follow their dreams no matter what they are." 

The milestone achieved by Jessica Hawkins is a significant one, especially in light of Formula One's historical gender disparity. The sport has not seen a woman start a Grand Prix since Lella Lombardi represented Austria in 1976. In over seven decades of Formula One racing, only two women, Lombardi and Maria Teresa de Filippis, have competed at the highest level of motorsport. However, Hawkins' test drive signifies a potential shift in this long-standing trend. 

The last female driver to test a Formula One car prior to Hawkins was Tatiana Calderon, a Colombian driver who served as a test driver for Sauber and had the opportunity to drive their car in Mexico in 2018. While these moments have been few and far between, they have continued to inspire hope for greater gender diversity in Formula One. 

The quest for gender equality in motorsports has faced its challenges. The all-female W Series, which aimed to provide a platform for female racers, unfortunately folded after just three seasons in 2022 due to a lack of financial backing. However, the Formula One Academy emerged as a new beacon of hope, supported by the sport's owners, with a clear mission of paving a long-term path to bring a female driver into Formula One. 

Image: F1 Academy

The Formula One Academy's ambition to bridge the gender gap is evident as it prepares for its debut season next year. All ten Formula One teams will have a representative driver and run a car in their livery, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity. The academy's managing director, Susie Wolff, while optimistic, has cautioned that it may take as long as a decade to see a female Formula One driver emerge from this initiative. 

Excitement is mounting as the Formula One Academy's inaugural season approaches, set to join the Formula One calendar as a support race next year. Jessica Hawkins' successful test drive for Aston Martin has undoubtedly injected new energy into the pursuit of gender equality in Formula One. As the sport continues to evolve and embrace diversity, there is a renewed sense of hope that more talented female racers will follow in her tire tracks and break down barriers in this highly competitive and male-dominated arena. 

Jessica Hawkins' historic test drive in the Aston Martin AMR21 marks a significant milestone for gender inclusivity in Formula One. Her achievement is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the ongoing efforts to create more opportunities for women in motorsports. As the Formula One Academy gears up for its debut season, the dream of seeing a female driver compete in Formula One draws ever closer, promising a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport.