Aston Martin celebrates a momentous occasion in the world of Formula 1 as their esteemed driver ambassador, Jessica Hawkins, indulged in her maiden experience with Formula 1 machinery. The 28-year-old, known for her impressive track record as a W Series podium finisher and British Karting Champion, was given the opportunity to drive a 2021-spec car in Budapest last week, sharing the driving duties with the team’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich. Despite the initially challenging weather conditions, Jessica was able to complete 26 laps across a series of runs, marking a significant milestone in her racing career
Aston Martin described this test as the latest step in Jessica’s collaboration with the team, which also includes her involvement in supporting their entry in the all-female F1 Academy series set for 2024. Jessica expressed her gratitude, saying, “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. It’s taken me every bit of blood, sweat, and tears to get here
For Jessica, the dream of getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car had been a long-time aspiration. She shared her excitement, saying, “When I first heard it might be a possibility, I could hardly believe it. I’ve had to keep it secret for months now – which was pretty hard! It’s been absolutely worth it and it’s given me really valuable insight. Nothing will compare to the acceleration and braking of a Formula 1 car, and, having looked at the data, I’m really proud of my performance.”
Jessica’s journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about inspiring others. She emphasized her desire to encourage women to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. “Getting to drive the AMR21 has been a dream come true for me and one I’ve been ready to fulfill for a long time. I’ll keep pushing for more and, in the process, I want to inspire other women and let them know they should follow their dream no matter what it is.”
Aston Martin’s Evolution Programme Director, Robert Sattler, praised Jessica’s outstanding performance during her debut F1 test, highlighting her adaptability and professionalism. He stated, “Jessica excelled in her first F1 test. Jessica progressively built up speed on a tricky track while managing flawlessly the complexity of the AMR21 car. Her feedback was precise and correlated with our data. Overall, Jessica executed an excellent test program with a very professional attitude, and we hope to see her in the car again soon.”
Aston Martin Team Principal, Mike Krack, echoed the sentiment of this special moment, emphasizing Jessica’s significance as a member of their driver squad. He commended her dedication and preparation, stating, “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.”
In this extraordinary chapter of Jessica Hawkins’ racing career, Aston Martin and the entire motorsport community celebrate not only a remarkable achievement but also the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport, where talent knows no boundaries.
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