"The blood, sweat and tears were worth it" – Jessica on driving an F1 car for the first time
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It's been a long time coming. When Jessica Hawkins took to the Hungaroring behind the wheel of the AMR21, it put an end to a near-five-year wait for another woman to drive a modern F1 car. We caught up with Jessica to discuss just what this milestone moment means to her.
Energy and emotion.
You can feel it as Jessica Hawkins returns to the garage. A lifetime of perseverance, sacrifice and unwavering focus has got her to this point; the 28-year-old Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team (AMF1 Team) Driver Ambassador has just become the first woman to drive a modern F1 car in almost five years.
Moments after completing 26 laps behind the wheel of the AMR21 race car at the Hungaroring, Jessica opens up about what it was really like to drive an F1 car for the first time, pursuing her dreams, learning from Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, and inspiring the next generation of female racers.
Jessica, you've just driven an F1 car for the first time. What was it like?
It's hard to put into words. It was everything I dreamed it would be and more. All the blood, sweat and tears to get to this point were worth it.
On my very first lap, the install lap, I didn't push the car. I took the time to make sure I was comfortable, the pedals were in the right position and that I could reach everything I needed to. Then I began pushing through the corners – and that blew me away.
I knew it was going to be fast. I've driven fast things, jumped things that you probably shouldn't jump, and done some other crazy things in my life, but wow – nothing compares to driving an F1 car. The braking, the acceleration, the cornering – it's all just on another level.
I'm just so thankful to have experienced it – thankful to everyone in the team. To be given this opportunity and for the team to have that much trust in me, that much belief, is incredible.
I'm ready for this and I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. This is what I do. This is what I've done my whole life and what I've been working towards.
Jessica Hawkins
Were you nervous at all?
I was a little bit nervous, to be honest, and to make things more difficult it started raining on my out lap. When I came back into the pits and the rain stopped, I thought to myself: 'I'm ready for this and I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. This is what I do. This is what I've done my whole life and what I've been working towards. I’m ready.'
Did you pay much attention to the laptimes?
I'm really pleased with my laptimes. My first time driving an F1 car, I was close to the pace on old tyres on a track that was very green due to heavy rain.
I've tried to learn as much as I can from Fernando and Lance. They've both got a wealth of experience and it’s something I’ve been able to tap into. It was the same with Seb [Vettel] when he was with the team. I'm constantly pushing to get better and better. These guys have helped me on my journey, along with so many people in the team.
I think that little bit of doubt, that desire to constantly prove myself, is probably what makes me who I am.
Jessica Hawkins
Have there been moments when you thought you wouldn’t realise this ambition?
There have been times when I thought I would never get the chance to drive an F1 car.
We tried to do my test at Silverstone before, but things got in the way – things that were completely out of my control like the rain – and you think, 'Is this just not meant to be?'
It's a struggle to even go racing due to the costs involved. Without sponsorship, without sufficient funding, it's nigh-on impossible. I've spent many years being unable to race because I haven’t had the money to do so.
I know I'm fast. Whenever I do doubt myself, I go out there and prove myself wrong. I always end up asking, 'Why do you doubt yourself?'
And why do you?
I think that little bit of doubt, that desire to constantly prove myself, is probably what makes me who I am. It's what keeps me pushing forward. It's what drives me to be better.
There are still things I want to achieve. If I can make it easier for future generations, help break down barriers and pave the way for them, then I'll be happy.
Jessica Hawkins
You’re a role model to so many people. How does that make you feel?
Sometimes, I wish I was 20 years younger and starting out because I feel like there's far more opportunity now, but I'm so happy that things have changed to give younger generations that opportunity.
When I was a child, if I turned on the TV and watched F1, would I have come away thinking that women can drive F1 cars? Probably not. It's all about visibility. If you can see it, you can be it.
I'm proud to be driving female representation in motorsport forward. I hope that seeing me behind the wheel of an F1 car inspires future female racers and inspires people, male or female, to follow their dreams no matter what.
Nothing should ever stop you from doing what you want to do, what you're passionate about – what you love doing.
What’s next for Jessica Hawkins?
Hopefully more time behind the wheel of an F1 car! When the opportunity arises to drive an F1 car again, I'll be ready.
There are still things I want to achieve. If I can make it easier for future generations, help break down barriers and pave the way for them, then I'll be happy.
I'm going to be involved in AMF1 Team's entry into the all-female F1 Academy series. I can't say much about it right now, but I'm very excited. It's a role I've always wanted. I can't wait to get started.
JESSICA HAWKINS
Her debut Formula One test with AMF1 Team
AMF1 Team Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins completed her first Formula One test in Hungary on September 21.
Showcasing a strong performance, Jessica achieved a lifetime ambition.
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