Aston Martin Breaks Barriers with Jessica Hawkins’ Historic Full F1 Test Drive

Aston Martin F1 Team Makes History with Jessica Hawkins’ Test Drive

A Breakthrough for Gender Equality in Formula 1

In a historic moment for Formula 1, Jessica Hawkins became the first woman to test a current or near-current Grand Prix car since Tatiana Calderon in 2018. Hawkins, a former driver in the W Series, had previously driven older F1 cars in demonstration runs but had been eagerly awaiting her opportunity to have an outing for Aston Martin. The test drive came after extensive time in the team’s simulator, and Hawkins made the most of the chance to showcase her talents.

Calderon, who drove a Sauber C37 on a filming day in Mexico in 2018, had also driven a 2013-spec C32 for the Swiss outfit later that year and in 2019. While Calderon’s outings were important moments for gender equality in the sport, Hawkins’ test drive in the 2021 Aston Martin car represents another step forward.

Preparation and Opportunity

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack praised Hawkins’ preparation for the test, highlighting her dedication and hard work with the simulator team. This thorough preparation made it an easy decision for the team to give her the opportunity to test the AMR21 car.

Hawkins approached the test with great maturity, quickly getting up to speed and finding a nice rhythm on the track. Despite the delay caused by heavy rain, she progressively built up speed on a tricky and damp track. Her performance was impressive, and her feedback was precise and correlated with the team’s data.

Valuable Insights and Inspiring Others

For Hawkins, getting behind the wheel of the AMR21 was a dream come true. She described it as a significant moment in her journey with the Aston Martin F1 Team. The experience gave her valuable insight into the acceleration and braking capabilities of an F1 car. After analyzing the data, Hawkins expressed pride in her performance.

Beyond her personal achievement, Hawkins hopes to inspire other women to follow their dreams, regardless of the industry. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and urged aspiring female athletes to pursue their passions. Her groundbreaking test drive serves as a powerful example, signaling that barriers are being broken and opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields are expanding.

A Positive Step Forward

Hawkins’ test drive with Aston Martin F1 is a positive step forward for diversity and inclusion in motorsport. While there is still progress to be made in achieving gender equality, moments like this fuel hope that more women will have opportunities to showcase their skills in Formula 1 and other racing disciplines.

This milestone also highlights the importance of investing in talent development programs for young and aspiring female athletes. By providing access to resources such as simulators and giving them the chance to test drive modern F1 cars, teams like Aston Martin are actively promoting gender equality and paving the way for a more diverse future in the sport.

The Road Ahead

As Jessica Hawkins continues her journey with Aston Martin F1, there is hope that we will see her in the car again soon. Her successful test drive demonstrates her capability and potential for a future role in the team or even in Formula 1 as a whole. The progress made in breaking down barriers for women in motorsport should serve as a catalyst for continued efforts to promote gender equality and diversity in all aspects of the sport.

In conclusion, Jessica Hawkins’ test drive for Aston Martin F1 is a significant moment in the history of Formula 1, showcasing the progress being made in breaking gender barriers. While Hawkins’ achievement is undoubtedly a personal triumph, it also serves as an inspiration for young women around the world, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and challenge societal expectations. As the sport continues to evolve, it is crucial to invest in programs and opportunities that nurture and elevate diverse talent. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality and create a level playing field for all athletes in Formula 1.