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
Jamie Chadwick took the first season of W Series by storm, and now she’s back to bid for another crown. And with an expanded calendar, a support slot alongside Formula 1 in place of its inaugural season on the DTM calendar, and superlicence points up for grabs, there’s even more at stake this time around.
The intended second campaign in 2020 bit the dust thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, so it’s been a long wait for the all-female series since Chadwick was crowned the inaugural champion at Brands Hatch in mid-August 2019. That will end this weekend with the first of two successive events at the Red Bull Ring, and the reigning title holder is feeling confident, but not complacent.
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.
W Series Hungary: Powell takes pole, Chadwick down in fifth
Alice Powell has grabbed pole position for the W Series Hungarian round with a stunning late lap, as defending champion Jamie Chadwick qualified down in fifth place.
W Series swaps Suzuka round for Singapore on 2022 calendar
W Series has called off its planned debut at Japan's Suzuka circuit and will instead join the Formula 1 support bill in Singapore.
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 introduces new team structure from this season
Bond Muir: W Series has “come back stronger” with new team structure
