From stunt driver to Formula 1 trailblazer: Jessica Hawkins’ race to inspire

When Jessica Hawkins climbed into the cockpit of an Aston Martin Formula 1 car in 2023, she made history while redrawing the boundaries of what was possible for women in motorsport. Behind that milestone achievement was a journey that was far from easy.

It began behind the wheel of a go-kart as a teenager, and it has since taken the 30-year-old Brit through touring cars, stunt driving, and professional racing. Few women have reached her level — and even fewer have returned after nearly stepping away.

“There was a point I thought about walking away from motorsport,” admits Hawkins, who was recently made a public appearance at an Elemis pop-up during ION Orchard’s Singapore F1-season Live The Race week. “The W Series came at the perfect time and brought me back.” That series reignited her career, eventually leading to a historic test with Aston Martin Aramco in the AMR21 at the Hungaroring track in 2023, when she became one of the very few women ever to drive a modern F1 car.

Strength in equality

“I’d define empowerment in motorsport as everyone having the same opportunity and feeling ‘empowered’ to achieve their goals,” says Hawkins. “Whether that be young karters making their way up the ranks or providing inspiration and opportunities for women studying STEM subjects, it’s about providing access in an industry that can be male-dominated.”

That belief in access — not advantage — has guided her path through one of sport’s toughest niches. “It’s hard for me to put into words how much those opportunities have meant to me,” she adds. “I want it to get to a stage where it isn’t seen as newsworthy that a woman has driven an F1 car and that it just feels like the norm. You can’t be what you can’t see, so I hope I’ve been able to inspire the future generation. I know women can go all the way.”

And what took her there? Resilience, for she has been tested continuously tested throughout much of her career. “I’ve had points when I haven’t been able to race due to funding or circumstances outside of my control, and that hasn’t always been easy. So it’s important to be able to pick yourself back up and go again.”

She continues, “From a pure racing perspective, the most physical test of my resilience has been in this season of the GT World Challenge Europe, my first endurance race championship,” states Hawkins. “Both physically and mentally, it has been a learning experience for me”’

To stay centred, Hawkins relies on fitness and mindfulness. “I like keeping routine with the gym; it’s one of the best ways to keep both your body and mind healthy,” she reveals. “It helps me maintain my strength to deal with demanding physical situations but also helps keep me focused.”

Her philosophy to self-care and avoiding burnout is pragmatic: “No matter your job you need to ensure you’re making time for whatever makes you feel your best. I make sure I’m mindful of what I’m doing when I’m not racing and working, whether that be spending time with friends and family, travelling somewhere new to explore or relax, or taking some time for myself.”

Competition and purpose

For Hawkins, competition has always been inseparable from purpose. “It’s about being true to yourself,” she asserts. “I’ve focused on what I believe in and where I want to see change, to help drive positive change for women in motorsport. I’ve been given incredible opportunities because of this authenticity.”

Her partnership with British skincare brand Elemis as its ambassador, announced in April 2025, aligns naturally with that outlook. “Travelling for a long time can be tough on skin,” she explains. “I always try to look after my skin by cleansing and moisturising properly, whether that be at home, at a hotel after a race, or even in the air on long-haul flights. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a staple.”

In her leadership role at Aston Martin, which she enjoys tremendously, Hawkins channels that same authenticity into mentorship. Her priority is supporting 19-year-old Swiss racing driver Tina Hausmann, who represents the marque in the F1 Academy, an all-female single-seater championship owned and operated by Formula 1.

“I provide her with anything she needs before, during, and after her race weekends. The two-year limit in the series means gaining the most experience is extremely important for the following years. I really like mentoring young drivers. Through the F1 Academy programme, I’m able to inspire and help keep doors open for the drivers who need it. And that matters a lot.”

When asked if women bring a different energy to racing, Hawkins answers thoughtfully: “I think to a certain extent, that view can box female athletes into stereotypes, as every person brings different energy to the space they’re in, no matter who they are. Women have an important seat at the table, and play an integral role in every single F1 team and across the ecosystem.”

She has no interest in token gestures. “I don’t believe the progress by women is just symbolic. We’ve seen some amazing racing over the years, and drivers from the series have gone and are going on to have success in other categories.”

Off-track, her personal style is expressed as “comfortable and put together”, in spite of the glamour factor of her high-profile, intensely curated field. “I want it to represent my personality,” Hawkins says simply, reminding us that she isn’t just breaking ground for women in Formula 1, but also redefining what it means to race with purpose.