Aston Martin Driver Ambassador, Jessica Hawkins has completed her first F1 test for Aston Martin.
Hawkins joined Aston Martin in 2021 as a driver ambassador but her role eventually expanded to include simulator work ahead of a test, which came to fruition last week at the Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary as she completed several runs.
The 28 year-old shared driving duties with Test and Reserve Driver, Felipe Drugovich who was also in action, as part of his driving duties for the team.
Hawkins was the first female driver in five years to drive a modern F1 car and couldn’t thank Aston Martin enough for showing “trust in me, believing in me, and for giving me this opportunity.”
She added that she had kept the test secret for several months as she continued: “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.”
Hawkins however is eager to ensure that this wasn’t her only F1 test as she concluded: “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.”
Aston Martin Team Principal, Mike Krack added that Hawkins’ test debut was “a special moment” for both team and driver, as he described Hawkins as “an important member of our driver squad.”
Krack also praisd Hawkins for how she handled the test both in terms of buildup and actual running, despite having to deal with a damp track following a heavy rain shower after her installation lap.
“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.”
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