Jamie Chadwick remains committed to reaching Formula One within the next five years, despite sport chief Stefano Domenicali’s skepticism that any female driver will make it so quickly.
The 24-year-old Briton is dominant in the women-only W Series, and when they race in Singapore for the first time next week, she might win her third title in three years.
Chadwick tested an Indy Lights vehicle with Andretti Autosport at Sebring, Florida, on Wednesday, as she investigates opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
In Thursday, she told reporters on a Zoom call, “I believe my goal is to strive to achieve success within five years.”
“I have a lot to accomplish in the next five years, but my ultimate objective is to compete in the suitable feeder series and gain success in order to reach Formula One.”
Last month, F1 chief executive Domenicali told reporters that a female driver would need a stratospheric ascent through the ranks to achieve Formula One within five years.
Since the Italian Lella Lombardi’s passing in 1976, no woman has started a grand prix in Formula One.
In 2008, Danica Patrick created history by being the first woman to win an IndyCar race in the United States.
Chadwick, who is also a development driver for the Williams F1 team, stated that Domenicali’s remarks did not disturb her and, if anything, offered additional impetus.
She said, “I know that if I am successful in the correct feeder series, I will be in Formula One.”
“At the moment, this is my objective, and I’m using the platforms I have… to lean on the people who believe in it and view it as attainable, because there are such individuals out there.
Even Andretti gave me the opportunity to test because they believe in it.
Chadwick stated that the Sebring test went well and that she was “pleasantly surprised” by the more powerful and heavier automobile.
She stated that a year in America could place her in a favorable position for a promotion in a year.
“There are options. She stated, “Formula Three, Formula Two, and Indy Lights are the alternatives I’ve been considering.” In Europe and the United States, discussions are ongoing.
Reuters