W Series Champ Chadwick Hasn’t Secured Support for F3 Jump

Jamie Chadwick, Williams Development Driver and 2019 W Series champion has not secured the financial support needed in order to step into higher categories of racing.

The 21-year-old will return to the W Series next season to defend her title and in doing so, earn Super Licence points needed to help progress to F1. Her title run this year saw her take the battle to the final round at Brands Hatch, picking up two wins and three further podiums in the six event calendar.

Speaking to The Guardian, Chadwick also admitted she felt “further away” to becoming the first women to start a race in F1 since Lella Lombardi.

She would clarify saying it was because her path is now more clearly laid out for her.

“To be completely honest, further away [than Lombardi]. Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it. I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make.” – Jamie Chadwick.

2019 saw Chadwick crowned the MRF Challenge and W Series champion, the latter of which earned her a prize pot of $500,000. She admits though that was not enough to see her step up.

“At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the [financial] support to go to, say, FIA F3. Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign… that’s going to give me that opportunity.”

W Series cheif executive Catherine Bond Muir spoke yesterday about the series future, laying out a plans for further sponsorship, however will not be giving away sticker space on the car or race suit. In addition, the series will increase the number of rounds with 2020 having six rounds announced so far and another two expected to be confirmed shortly.

“W Series will be profitable in year three and that is something we’re proud of. The motorsport community has been welcoming of the idea and I’m thankful to all our ambassadors and investors for helping us grow.

“We’re six races now, and plan to be eight next year – with two in the Americas – before expanding to Asia. Our aim is to settle on a 12 to 14 race calendar and I’d be happy with that success.” – Catherine Bond Muir

Chadwick is currently nominated for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, in which an F1 test is awarded to the winner. It would be a rare opportunity for her, having solely done simulator work this year with Williams.

“In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see,” she said. “If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date.” – Jamie Chadwick