Jamie Chadwick praises growing opportunities for women in motorsport, highlighting stronger pathways to F1 and hopes for European success.
Jamie Chadwick, three-time W Series champion and current IndyNXT driver, appreciates the efforts being made to give women a chance at the highest level of motorsport. She hopes that those following in her footsteps will be able to stay in Europe and won’t need to go to the US.
“I think the path is becoming stronger and stronger. I believe it depends on the support we provide to women at an earlier stage, which we’re seeing now with the W Series and F1 Academy,” Chadwick told Sky Sports. “I think it will take a few more years for this path to fully take shape.”
“I hope that Abbi Pulling (leading the F1 Academy) can stay in Europe to some extent, and that she finds success there. It will take time, but it’s really cool to see the progress and all the continued efforts to support women in the sport.”
Chadwick acknowledges the value of women-only disciplines, but says they shouldn’t confine female drivers: “I think the benefit and importance of series like the F1 Academy and W Series lie in raising awareness, creating visibility, and providing opportunities and experience at this level.”
“But from there, we need to progress beyond these series and ultimately into the regular series we now see in Europe—Formula 3, Formula 2—and for me, in America with Indy NXT and ultimately IndyCar.”
The Briton could move to IndyCar in 2025 after testing one in early October (pictured), although she admits her dream remains F1: “It’s one of those things you dream of. By far the highest level I’ve had the chance to drive at, so it was an incredible day.”
“I exceeded my expectations in a way, but I didn’t feel like I made a huge leap forward. I felt comfortable and happy in the environment, which was obviously a positive for me. It was a challenge, primarily physical, and a good step forward in that regard.”
She is also pleased with her physical development to adapt to the more demanding American race cars: “Since I started racing in the U.S. two years ago, I’ve focused on my physical conditioning and have made good progress.”
“But I think what the IndyCar test taught me is that if I want to succeed there, I’ll need to make another big step forward. However, I’m confident I can achieve that.”
“It’s really about working on it and seeing how strong I can become because these cars, without power steering, are big and heavy, with many physically demanding tracks and long races. I think that’s going to be the real deciding factor for me.”
Although she doesn’t want to completely close the door on Formula 1, Chadwick acknowledges that she’s moved further away from it: “You should never say never. F1 is the pinnacle of our sport. It’s the dream of every young driver. I’ve been involved in F1 and have been close to the sport.”
“I admire the drivers and their level, but at the same time, it’s a huge step. If I succeed in IndyCar—and that depends on getting into IndyCar—then maybe, but realistically, my next goal and focus is IndyCar at this stage.”
- You may also like>Lawson Hails Ricciardo’s Mentorship Amid F1 Seat Rivalry
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
Jamie Chadwick: Stronger Support for Women in Motorsports Jamie Chadwick: Stronger Support for Women in Motorsports
