Williams retain Jamie Chadwick in Driver Academy for 2022

Reigning W Series champion Jamie Chadwick will be part of the Williams Driver Academy for a fourth successive year, the British team have announced.

Chadwick joined Williams as a development driver in 2019 and will continue that work through 2022 with a personalised simulator programme as well as further assistance “to support her own progression as a driver”.

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The 23-year-old, who will defend her W Series title this year, said: “I’m delighted to continue working with the Williams team. I’ve had a lot of support from everyone there throughout the last three years and the simulator work I’ve done has been hugely valuable for my race preparation.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my programme throughout the 2022 season and I know that the team will be cheering me on during my upcoming 2022 W Series campaign; I’m really proud to continue representing the Williams name on the grid.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “We are incredibly pleased that Jamie will continue to be part of our team. Her immensely impressive performance in the 2021 W Series Championship only reinforced our appreciation for her talent and skill, and we were delighted to play a part in her commendable success.

“Jamie’s role in promoting female inclusion in motorsport continues to be both hugely important and admirable; she is a fantastic ambassador for the sport, and we are looking forward to working with her throughout the 2022 season.”

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Chadwick’s renewal means Williams now have four racers on their Driver Academy roster.

Ollie Gray, who will compete for Carlin in the 2022 British F4 Championship, was announced earlier this month, joining recent signings F2 racer Logan Sargeant and GB3 champion Zak O’Sullivan.

Meanwhile, the team also confirmed that Jack Aitken would remain as their reserve driver for 2022 – Aitken having enjoyed a solitary race outing for the squad at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.