Williams Racing Development Driver, Jamie Chadwick, has been crowned 2021 W Series Champion after a thrilling finale at the Circuit of The Americas.
Jamie, who also claimed the inaugural W Series title in 2019, took her third win of the season in Saturday’s Race 1, overtaking the pole-sitter at the opening corner and leading all the way to the chequered flag. With a 10-point lead going into the final race, the defending champion maximised her pole position start, delivering a commanding performance to earn her a fourth win of the season and a second championship title.
The Briton, competing for Veloce Racing, impressed with her consistency throughout the season, appearing on the podium in seven out of the eight races, including claiming wins in Austria, Hungary and the USA. Jamie’s second championship title will see her receive 15 FIA Super License points, in line with the governing body’s recognition of the series’ importance on the motorsport ladder.
Speaking after the race, Jamie said, “That was a mega end to a mega year. It feels so good to finish it off like that – what a win! Thank you to W Series, Veloce, Formula One, Williams and everyone who’s supported me. It means so much to defend my title. It’s been really hard work this year as I’ve been pushed all the way by Alice [Powell]. The stakes were higher this weekend with the double-header, but to seal it by winning both races makes it so much sweeter and I’m delighted to come out on top. Massive congratulations to Alice who’s pushed me really hard, and it was a tough weekend for her with some issues which were out of her hands. I’ve got an amazing relationship with Williams so it was awesome to see them cheering me on, celebrate a little with them after the race and I’m really grateful for the support. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I’ll enjoy this moment and go from there.”
Jost Capito, Williams Racing CEO, commented “It’s fantastic to see our Development Driver Jamie claim this year’s W Series title after a thrilling title battle. It is a well-deserved success after an exciting campaign and we’re delighted to see her become a two-time champion. We have seen up close through the work she has done at Williams how much she has progressed as a driver over the past couple of years, and this is yet another indication of the talent she has behind the wheel. On a personal note, it was great to be able to watch Jamie’s success in person in Austin and I know the whole Williams team trackside enjoyed cheering her across the line on Sunday.”
W Series, the international single-seater championship for female drivers, appeared on the support bill for seven Grand Prix in 2021, significantly increasing global reach and awareness. The free-to-enter championship, launched in 2018, provides equal opportunities for women, eliminating financial barriers that have historically prevented them from progressing to the upper echelons of motorsport.