The new stars emerging from W Series
While the names fighting for the W Series title are familiar to the wider motorsport world, in their wake the all-female championship is bringing previously unknown drivers into the spotlight - and developing their abilities fast
Just two months on from the opening round at Hockenheim, the inaugural W Series championship has already reached the midway point of its first season - with Jamie Chadwick leading the standings by a margin of 13 points over Beitske Visser.
That it's Chadwick and Visser leading the way at the sharp end of the field is not particularly surprising - both are established names in single-seater racing and it's certainly more than likely that Chadwick would have been able to continue her steady career trajectory as the next great female Formula 1 driver hope with or without W Series.
The steps needed to get a W Series graduate into F1
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali grabbed the headlines recently when he suggested that it would likely be at least another five years before a woman could get in to grand prix racing.
W Series champion Chadwick to test Indy Lights car for Andretti Autosport
Two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick will test an Indy Lights car this month, prepared by Andretti Autosport.
Hamilton: "Way more" to be done to help progression from W Series
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton believes “way more” needs to be done to help ensure progression from W Series and give women more opportunities in racing.
W Series Hungary: Powell takes victory to end Chadwick's winning streak
Alice Powell has ended Jamie Chadwick’s W Series winning streak with a lights-to-flag victory at the Hungaroring, fending off late pressure from the reigning champion to clinch the win.
How Chadwick's u-turn poses big questions for W Series
With two W Series titles under her belt, Jamie Chadwick appears to be the perfect candidate to break into FIA Formula 3. But a shock return to the series in 2022 appears a curious move – not just for her, but for the all-female series too
How W Series' standout star took the challenge to its champion
Heading into 2021, much of the discussion around W Series centred on Jamie Chadwick and her fight for a second crown. Chadwick duly won out, but only after a season-long battle with Alice Powell, who came into the final double-header level on points and almost stole the show
How Chadwick’s second W Series title poses more questions than answers
Jamie Chadwick successfully defended her W Series title as the series returned after a year out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She saw off a fierce fight from Alice Powell to keep the crown but with both looking to climb the motorsport ladder, what is next for both the two star drivers and series itself?
How W Series can confront its biggest enduring issue
Two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick finds herself in a predicament. The Williams F1 development driver has more than proven herself in the all-female series and has little to gain from returning. But where should she go next? And how will the series move forwards if she elects to take up her reserved slot on next year's grid? Whatever she decides, it poses important questions for the series' future
The nightmare season of a W Series title favourite
She came into 2021 as a W Series title contender, but Beitske Visser has had a frustrating season, marred by a horrific crash at Spa and floundering in 12th place in the drivers’ standings. After misfortune and on-track clashes, the Dutch driver wishes the season was just starting now
The rational brain of W Series' outside title bet
As the only mum in W Series, Emma Kimilainen has a different perspective than many of her rivals. After her swashbuckling drive to victory at a sodden Spa, the Finn now has a real chance of getting into the title fight, and can call on an approach that has been a boost through myriad past disappointments
The comeback trail Brit making the most of a second chance
After four years of making only irregular race appearances, Alice Powell had good reason to believe that her dreams of becoming a professional driver were over. But W Series has provided a second chance that she has firmly grasped, Powell's popular home win at Silverstone prompting the new series leader to look ahead to a bright future
Why W Series' champion is taking nothing for granted ahead of its return
W Series is back this weekend after a year away. This time it’s supporting F1, and reigning champion Jamie Chadwick is up for the challenge of taking another title - but knows with higher stakes will come even more motivated opposition
W Series adds experimental reversed-grid race to Assen round
Norisring W Series: Gosia Rdest fastest in Friday practice
