Jessica Hawkins: F1 history maker | 'The car is like a spaceship!'

Matt Baker is joined by British racing driver Jessica Hawkins after she became the first woman in five years to test an F1 car.

The Aston Martin ambassador reflects on her experience behind the wheel and explains how it compares to the simulator.

She also discusses the barriers facing female drivers and explains how the W Series and F1 Academy can help them in their pursuit of an F1 seat.

Jessica also tells us how she became a stunt driver and explores the risks and rewards of the job. Plus she reveals the bizarre world record she holds... involving a lawnmower and a lot of speed!

**Synopsis:**

- Jessica Hawkins, British racing driver and Aston Martin ambassador, becomes the first woman in five years to test an F1 car.
- She reflects on her experience behind the wheel and compares it to the simulator.
- Hawkins discusses the barriers facing female drivers and how the W Series and F1 Academy can help them pursue an F1 seat.
- She also shares her journey to becoming a stunt driver and the risks and rewards of the job.

**Key Points:**

- Hawkins describes her F1 test as an incredible and mind-blowing experience, akin to driving a spaceship.
- The Formula One car's braking, acceleration, and corner speeds are shockingly impressive.
- The simulator is a valuable tool for F1 drivers, but it cannot replicate the physical feelings of driving a real car.
- Hawkins' neck and arms felt fine after the test, but she expects to be sore the next day due to the physical demands of driving an F1 car.
- She approached the test incrementally, starting with a slow install lap to get comfortable with the car and processes.
- Hawkins' goal was to gain confidence and improve her lap times throughout the test sessions.
- She was pleasantly surprised with her performance, especially in the high-speed corners, despite her lack of experience in F2 and F3.
- Hawkins believes the lack of women in Formula One is a numbers game, with fewer women starting in karting compared to men.
- She emphasizes the importance of increasing participation among girls and providing them with opportunities to progress in the sport.
- Hawkins highlights the W Series and F1 Academy as initiatives aimed at promoting female drivers and creating a pathway to Formula One.
- She reflects on her journey to becoming a stunt driver, which was initially unplanned but led to valuable training and experiences.
- Hawkins describes stunt driving as controlled dangerous stuff, involving organized crashes, sequences, and jumping cars.
- She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration among stunt drivers to achieve the perfect shot.
- Hawkins recalls her audition process for the stunt driving job, where she stood out due to her rapid rate of progression.
- She spent several months training and honing her skills in drifting, crashing, and J-turning before embarking on her stunt driving career.

**Overall Message:**

Jessica Hawkins' historic F1 test and her journey as a female racing driver and stunt driver underscore the challenges and opportunities faced by women in motorsport. Her experiences highlight the need for increased participation, support, and initiatives to promote gender equality in the sport.

In this podcast, Matt Baker interviews British racing driver Jessica Hawkins, the first woman in five years to test an F1 car. Hawkins shares her experience behind the wheel of an F1 car and compares it to a simulator. She also discusses the challenges faced by female drivers and how the W Series and F1 Academy can support their aspirations of competing in Formula 1.

Hawkins reflects on her decision to leave single-seater racing and pursue a career as a stunt driver. She emphasizes the risks and rewards of stunt driving and reveals her unique world record for the fastest lawnmower.

The conversation shifts to the topic of increasing female participation in motorsport. Hawkins expresses her support for initiatives like the W Series and F1 Academy, which provide opportunities for women to develop their skills and progress through the ranks. She believes these programs can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for female drivers.

Hawkins shares her thoughts on the potential timeline for a female driver to reach Formula 1, suggesting it could be within the next 8-10 years. She highlights the need for more opportunities for women to gain experience in top-level racing series like Formula 3 and Formula 2.

Hawkins discusses her recent test of an Aston Martin Formula 1 car, describing it as the best day of her life. She expresses her desire to continue racing and her ambition to compete in an Aston Martin GT3 series. Hawkins also emphasizes the importance of supporting young people, particularly students, who are interested in pursuing careers in motorsport.

Hawkins concludes the interview by expressing her pride in being a leading advocate for change in the sport and her commitment to pushing for greater inclusion of women in Formula 1.