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Aston Martin Racing talent Jessica Hawkins has marked a significant milestone in her career by making her NASCAR debut, adding an exciting dimension to her development within the team.
Despite a challenging 2024 season for Aston Martin in Formula 1, where they dropped to fifth in the constructors’ standings and failed to secure any podium finishes, the team is looking forward with optimism. Fernando Alonso, who had a difficult season, extended his contract for 2024, and the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey in 2025 has heightened hopes for a return to the front. Alongside these developments, Aston Martin is nurturing a promising crop of young talent, including Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, Jak Crawford, who had a strong 2024 season with a win and six podiums, and Tina Hausmann, an F1 Academy racer supported by Aston Martin.
Hawkins, who has previously competed in the W Series, serves as Aston Martin’s driver ambassador and head of F1 Academy, where she has also mentored Hausmann. In addition to these roles, Hawkins recently ventured into NASCAR, visiting the prestigious Hendrick Motorsports at Charlotte Motor Speedway. During her visit, she participated in simulator sessions with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, who has won four championships, before taking a Chevrolet to the track for her first NASCAR test.
Reflecting on her experience, Hawkins described it as both exciting and challenging, acknowledging the significant adjustments needed to adapt to the NASCAR style of racing. She highlighted the importance of the simulator in helping her familiarize herself with key aspects of the track, such as braking zones, gear selection, and layout. This experience marks another milestone in Hawkins’ career, which continues to grow in prominence across different racing series.
Hawkins made history in 2023 as the first female driver in over five years to complete a Formula 1 test, underscoring her rising influence in motorsport. Her successful transition into NASCAR adds another chapter to her expanding career and further showcases her ability to succeed across multiple disciplines. As a versatile and ambitious racer, Hawkins’ involvement in NASCAR not only highlights her adaptability but also signals her potential for future success in motorsport’s most prestigious series.
