W Series leader Jamie Chadwick has joined the Williams Formula 1 team as a development driver.
Chadwick has been in impressive form in the first two rounds of the new W Series, taking victory in Hockenheim before finishing second at Zolder last weekend.
The 21-year-old has joined the Williams Racing Academy and in her role of development driver will undertake a busy simulator programme in addition to her travelling to three European races, starting at the British Grand Prix in July.
Chadwick has enjoyed a successful career to date across various disciplines, having won the British GT title in 2015 and taken race wins in British Formula 3 last season, before claiming the MRF Challenge crown earlier this year.
?It is a great honour to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy. The time in the simulator is a fantastic opportunity to aid with my development.” said Chadwick.
“I look forward to spending time in the factory at Grove, immersing myself within the team and assisting wherever I can. Being a part of the Driver Academy is an amazing platform and I?m excited to get started.?
Claire Williams, deputy team principal, commented: “I have had the pleasure of watching Jamie race first hand in Hockenheim where she claimed victory at the season opening W Series race.
“Alongside her on-track commitments, Jamie will undertake simulator work for Williams, be immersed both trackside and at the factory with the team and will participate in marketing activities.”
Williams’ appointment of Chadwick follows the role that Susie Wolff had with the team between 2012 and 2015. In 2014 she went onto become the first woman to take part in an F1 grand prix weekend for 22 years when she drove in free practice at the British Grand Prix.
“Promoting women in motorsport is extremely important and having a female role model as part of our Driver Academy will hopefully inspire young girls to take up racing at a young age,” added Williams.
“We hope to show that motorsport is inclusive and exciting, be that as a driver or on the engineering side. Jamie is a great talent and I look forward to working with her.?