Aston Martin Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins became the first woman to drive a current generation ground effect Formula 1 car during a demonstration run of the AMR22 at the Riyadh Boulevard entertainment centre on Wednesday.
Hawkins was joined by F1 Academy mentee Tina Hausmann ahead of the demo run to launch a new Aramco-supported karting initiative – designed to help bring women and girls into motorsport in Saudi Arabia, with Fernando Alonso also in attendance.
After a day of STEM tutorials, it was time for Hawkins to get behind the wheel of the AMR22, her second F1 driving experience following an official test at the Hungaroring last year.
“It was my first time driving the AMR22 in Saudi Arabia and at night,” Hawkins said.
“It is another special moment I will remember for a long time.
“I am delighted to be working with our title partner Aramco on their various projects to inspire women and girls to take up motorsport.
“Since I drove the F1 car in Hungary last year, I have been contacted by lots of women and girls around the world asking how they can get involved.
“Ahead of IWD [International Women’s Day], it is vital to be seen and hopefully that will encourage more females to get involved.”
Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack said during Thursday’s Saudi Arabian GP press conference that it “was a great thing” seeing Hawkins behind the wheel of the AMR22, “a current generation car.
“Fernando being around, plus Tina from the Formula Academy, it was a good event to really showcase what we’re doing.
“To inspire young generations to join motorsports or to follow a career in motorsports.
“I think together with Aramco it was a really great event and I hope we can do many more like that.”
Hawkins’ Aston Martin racing involvement is set to run deeper in 2024, with an announcement on Thursday confirming the British driver will make her British GT Championship debut with Beechdean AMR in 2024.
Competing in the brand new Aston Martin Vantage GT3, Hawkins will be targeting the Silver-Am class title with co-driver and team owner Andrew Howard.
