Jessica Hawkins on the impact of the F1 test for Aston Martin as she hopes to inspire women into Formula 1

Jessica Hawkins has started her F1 test with Aston Martin, becoming the first woman to drive a Formula 1 car for five years; download and subscribe to the Sky Sports F1 Podcast via Spotify, Apple and Spreaker

Jessica Hawkins has spoken of her pride in helping to increase opportunities for female drivers in motorsport following her recent test in Aston Martin’s F1 car.

The Aston Martin driver ambassador and former W Series driver completed 26 laps of the team’s 2021 car at the Hungaroring in Budapest on September 21, becoming the first woman in five years to test modern F1 machinery.

Hawkins, who is playing a role in Aston Martin’s entry into the all-female F1 Academy series when all ten F1 teams participate next year, believes opportunities for female drivers are growing.

Speaking about the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcastHawkins said: “I’m often asked why there are no women in F1. There are probably several reasons, but one of the main reasons is a numbers game.”

“If 5000 kids around the world start karting and only 10 of them are women, and people stop along the way for many reasons, such as budget, or because they are not good enough, are not passionate about it, or find other interests, by the law of averages Of course you’re not going to see a woman racing in F1.

“But what I think this will do is make it clear to the younger generation that we deserve a space and we can do that, that we are capable of doing that.

“I am not only passionate about women in motorsport, but also passionate about people who are happy and following their dreams.”

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British racing driver Hawkins became the first woman in five years to test an F1 car, completing laps for Aston Martin in Budapest

In an interview on Aston Martin’s website, the 28-year-old former British karting champion added: “Sometimes I wish I was 20 years younger and starting because I feel like there are a lot more opportunities now, but I’m so I’m glad things have changed to give the younger generations that opportunity.

“If I turned on the TV as a kid and watched F1, would I have thought women could drive F1 cars? Probably not. It’s all about visibility. If you can see it, you can be it.”

“I am proud to be advancing female representation in motorsport. I hope that seeing me behind the wheel of an F1 car inspires future female racers and inspires people, male or female, to follow their dreams, no matter what. Nothing should ever stop you from doing what you want to do, what you are passionate about, what you love to do.”

“There are still things I want to achieve. If I can make it easier for future generations, help break down barriers and pave the way for them, then I will be happy.”

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Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Hawkins reveals the bizarre Guinness World Record she holds… with a lawnmower and a lot of speed!

Although a handful of female drivers have competed in Grand Prix weekends since F1’s inception, most recently Susie Wolff in Friday practice in 2014-2015, only two have started a race. The last was Italian Lella Lombardi in 1976, who made a total of twelve starts with a best result of sixth place at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Hawkins has worked with several drivers during her time at Aston Martin, including Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne.

The 28-year-old says all the drivers she has worked with have been very helpful and allowed her to learn a lot during race weekends.

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Hawkins compares a Formula 1 car to a ‘spaceship’ after becoming the first woman to test an F1 car in five years

“They’re things they think about when they’re on the right track and they’re smart, they think outside the box. Their brain power is enormous,” Hawkins says.

“Fernando has been doing it for a long time and I feel like when you’ve driven any car for so long, you have so much room for other things.”

Hear more from Jessica Hawkins as she discusses breaking a world record, her short soccer career and more. Don’t miss an episode of the Sky Sports F1 Podcast. Subscribe now to: Apple podcasts | Spotify | Speaker

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