Aston Martin has become the first team to test a female driver in modern Formula 1 machinery in nearly five years in Budapest.
Jessica Hawkins, the team's driver ambassador and film stunt driver, completed 26 laps around the Hungaroring circuit in the AMR21 race car.
The 28 year-old is the first woman to test an F1 car since 2018, when Tatiana Calderon did laps in a 2013 car with Sauber in Mexico.
Hawkins has competed in the W Series and achieved a podium alongside his role at Aston Martin, and shared the test day with the team's official Test and Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich.
“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. It’s taken me every bit of blood, sweat and tears to get here," said Hawkins.
"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.
"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.”
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Krack: Special moment for Aston Martin
Aston Martin Team Principal, Mike Krack, was satisfied with Hawkins performance: “This is a special moment – for both Aston Martin 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 F1 car.”
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