Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars
Jessica Hawkins, the Driver Ambassador for the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team (AMF1 Team), recently became the first woman in almost five years to drive a Formula 1 car as she test-drove the team’s car at the Hungaroring in Hungary.
A prominent figure in motorsport, Jessica Hawkins, who is 28 years old and boasts a W Series podium finish and a British Karting Championship, initially joined the AMF1 Team in 2021 in the role of Driver Ambassador. Her involvement with the team expanded over time, with Jessica commencing preparatory simulator work at the team’s Silverstone facility in 2022 in anticipation of her debut Formula 1 test.
This drive meant that Jessica achieved a lifelong dream, becoming the first woman to drive a Formula 1 car since 2018. She completed multiple sessions behind the wheel of the AMR21, sharing driving duties with the team’s Test and Reserve Driver, Felipe Drugovich.
Jessica’s successful test outing marks an important point in her partnership with the AMF1 Team, providing valuable insights as she gears up to support the team’s entry into the all-female F1 Academy series set for 2024.
Jessica Hawkins said:
“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. 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 One car and, having looked at the data, I’m really proud of my performance.
“Getting to drive the AMR21 has been a dream come true for me and one I’ve been ready to fulfil 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.”
Mike Krack, Team Principal, AMF1 Team, said:
“This is a special moment – for both AMF1 Team and for Jessica, who is an important member of our driver squad.
“We were really impressed by Jessica’s preparation for the test – she worked incredibly hard with our simulator team and that made it an easy decision to put her in the AMR21.
“Jessica approached the opportunity with great maturity; she was up to speed quickly and found a nice rhythm.
“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 One car.”
Robert Sattler, F1 Evolution Programme Director, AMF1 Team, added:
“Jessica excelled in her first F1 test. After the installation lap we had a small delay as the circuit was hit by heavy rain. That resulted in a green track and on her first proper run there were still some damp patches in a few corners.
“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. After three runs, the track had dried and she was already matching the reference lap speeds.
“Overall, Jessica executed an excellent test programme with a very professional attitude and we hope to see her in the car again soon.”
