Aston Martin F1 Team Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins has reiterated her belief that a female driver will secure a Formula 1 seat within the coming years. Hawkins, who also serves as the team’s Head of F1 Academy, made these remarks recently, emphasizing the progress being made in women’s motorsport.
Hawkins stated her conviction that women possess the necessary strength for Formula 1 competition. Her comments follow a period of increased focus on developing female talent within the sport.
In September 2023, Hawkins completed a significant test, driving the Aston Martin AMR21 at the Hungaroring circuit. This marked the first instance of a woman testing a modern Formula 1 car since Tatiana Calderón in 2018.
Her role with Aston Martin involves both ambassadorial duties and direct involvement in the F1 Academy programme. She provides mentorship and support to young female drivers.
The F1 Academy series, launched in 2023, is designed to prepare female drivers for progression into higher echelons of motorsport, with the ultimate objective of reaching Formula 1. The series supports selected rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Each Formula 1 team currently supports a driver within the F1 Academy grid, providing a direct link between the junior category and the pinnacle of motorsport. This structure aims to foster talent and create clear pathways.
The 2026 F1 Academy season is currently underway, featuring drivers such as Alba Larsen, who is backed by Ferrari, and Alisha Palmowski, supported by Red Bull Racing. Mathilda Paatz is the driver supported by Aston Martin in the current season.
Initiatives from the FIA, including the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, continue to promote female participation across all levels of motorsport. These efforts are crucial for long-term development.
The last woman to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi in 1976. Hawkins’ prediction highlights the ongoing ambition to see female representation return to the Formula 1 grid.
