From making her mark on the European karting scene to stunt driving for some of the world’s biggest movie franchises and racing in the inaugural W Series, Jessica Hawkins' rise to the top has been unique.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a variety of racing disciplines - from single-seaters in Formula Ford and the MRF Challenge to tin-top racing in the Volkswagen Racing Cup and Mini Challenge.
By her own admission, budgets were sometimes hard to come by, but Jessica never stopped pursuing her goal of making an impact on motorsport.
She was presented with an opportunity to stunt drive, alongside competitive racing, and was a part of the cast for the new James Bond film, No Time to Die, which is due for release later this year.
Jessica Hawkins on her unique motorsport journey
Everyone's journey is unique. But if you’re passionate, dedicated and willing to take the road less travelled, you'll find a way. Join Jessica Hawkins as she tells her story, from winning her first race to joining us. This is #IAMSTORIES | Voices.
And this, coupled with her joining the grid for the female-only W Series - which aims to inspire a new generation of women into motorsport - helped Jessica to become the official Driver Ambassador of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team.
Jessica is the latest interview in our exclusive #IAMSTORIES | VOICES series. Here, speaking openly, she shares her fascinating story of success.
"I was maybe 13 or 14 at the time, and I begged my dad to let me do my first-ever European race. I was in the lead halfway through the race, and I ended up winning by half a lap.
"I just remember watching my dad as I crossed the line, and he was laid on a barrier with his arms behind his head as if he knew exactly what he was doing. That's a picture in my head that I'll never forget.
"I guess there was never really one specific moment where we realised that I was excelling. At the time, it was a hobby that I really enjoyed doing, which then turned into a career.
"It was never intended, it just happened. In the first year, we won the [British karting] championship and, having won it, I didn't want to give up.
"It was a natural progression to continue up the ladder of motorsport. There was never one specific moment, it just kind of happened. Eighteen years later, I've made a career out of it.
"I've said this before, and I genuinely mean it, I do not know what I would be doing right now if it wasn't for motorsport.
"Due to budget restrictions, I've taken opportunities that didn't necessarily seem the right way to go, but it was the only opportunity I had, like stunt driving. I got to a point in my career where I was really struggling with the budget to move up to the next category.
"I took that [stunt driving] opportunity, and it was the most amazing experience I've ever had.
"Subsequently, that opened more doors and W Series gave me the opportunity to go racing again [in 2019], which ultimately, is where my heart lies. It's where I started [my career], and it's where I want to finish in many years to come.
"I've not had the most generic racing driver route, but I'm proud of how I've got there and where I'm going.
"The guys and girls at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, have seen something in me they may benefit from and, certainly vice versa, I'm going to benefit massively.
"It's going to be such a great experience, being in such a big-team environment. I've never had that before.
"I've never had the luxury of being part of such a big and warm welcoming family."
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