Hawkins completes debut F1 test with Aston Martin in Hungary

Aston Martin have hailed a “special moment” as their driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins got her first taste of Formula 1 machinery when she drove a 2021-spec car at Budapest last week.

The 28-year-old – who is a W Series podium finisher and British Karting Champion – shared driving duties with the team’s reserve Felipe Drugovich.

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Running was delayed because of heavy rain, but when the weather improved Hawkins was able to complete 26 laps across a series of runs.

Aston Martin said the test was the latest step in her work with the team, which will include supporting their entry in the all-female F1 Academy series in 2024.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at AMF1 Team for having the trust in me, believing in me, and for giving me this opportunity,” said Hawkins, who joined Aston Martin as a driver ambassador in 2021.

“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.

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“Nothing will compare to the acceleration and braking of a Formula 1 car and, having looked at the data, I’m really proud of my performance. 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’s Evolution Programme Director Robert Sattler said: “Jessica excelled in her first F1 test. After the installation lap we had a small delay as the circuit was hit by heavy rain. That resulted in a green track and on her first proper run there were still some damp patches in a few corners.

“Jessica progressively built up speed on a tricky track while managing flawlessly the complexity of the AMR21 car. Her feedback was precise and correlated with our data.

"After three runs, the track had dried and she was already matching the reference lap speeds. Overall, Jessica executed an excellent test programme with a very professional attitude and we hope to see her in the car again soon.”

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Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack added: “This is a special moment – for both AMF1 Team and for Jessica, who is an important member of our driver squad. 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. This has been a hugely significant moment in Jessica’s journey with AMF1 Team and I am pleased we could give her this next step in her development journey by testing a modern Formula 1 car.”