Aston Martin driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins was in Monza for the Italian Grand Prix last weekend in her role as assistant to the team, editor Will Dodds spoke to her.
Now, a few months in her role in the Silverstone outfit, the W-Series racing driver is balancing the position with her responsibility as a driver on the track.
After getting off to a slow start to the second-ever W Series campaign, Hawkins has been in the points in each of the last three races, including a season-best fifth place at Zandvoort on the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
After the W Series supported the DTM during its first 2019 season, this year it became part of the support package for Formula 1 with two remaining races at the Circuit of the Americas in the USA and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico.
In the meantime, the 26-year-old will continue her work at Aston Martin and pursue her goal of driving in the British Touring Car Championship.
Hawkins sat down with Grand Prix 247 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix to talk about a busy year for her personally.
“I don’t think it’s a secret that I wasn’t happy with my results earlier this year,” she said. “I was expecting a tough start to the season just because I sat out of my seat for so long – I’ve only driven two races in two years and compete against people who regularly race and test these cars.
“I have the feeling that we are now back on track and that’s how I really saw the season, so I’m hoping for a strong final at COTA and in Mexico.”
Although forced to take a year off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the W Series managed to build on the momentum of a successful debut and secure a spot on the F1 platform, with Hawkins and hers Rivals were given the opportunity to do several laps for the first time.
“The W Series did such a good job in its first year in the DTM package that there was only one place that it really went to, and that is the premier class of motorsport,” she explained.
“I’ve never driven any of the tracks, not even at Silverstone, even though I live only half an hour away. Well, I’ve ridden on the national layout and had some big hits there, but all the other tracks are brand new to me. It is not ideal to learn them, especially since we only have one free practice, but that makes the simulator time all the more important. “
With two races to go, Hawkins’s goal is clear: “I really want to be on the podium. I think it’s a big challenge, but I also think it’s achievable. Of course, this requires so many things to be fixed, but I will do everything in my power to make sure this is possible. There are a lot of people who have worked very hard this season, so I want to reward them with a good result. “
Hawkins joined Aston Martin in May this year as Driver Ambassador, a role created after the brand returned to F1 during the off-season.
It started off with an initial conversation and progressed slowly at first, but since then she has settled into the role well, even though she was not in the service of the W series.
“It started many months ago, but it was nothing more than being asked if the position was available if I was interested,” she said.
“And maybe I didn’t hear much more for six months, but then word got around very quickly and we got into contract talks very quickly.
“I’ve been part of the team ever since and just a few hours after my first day with the team I felt on the track. It was a very warm welcome to the team this weekend after a few weeks absence from the W Series and I missed everyone here. Everyone asked me after my races at Spa and Zandvoort, which was a really nice feeling. “
Her role on the team allowed Hawkins to work closely with Aston Martin F1 drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, and learn from them on track hikes before the start of a race weekend.
“They were both fantastic,” she said.
“I’ve done a couple of track walks with them now, and I actually did a track walk here in Monza. We were about halfway there, and Seb actually pointed out some of the bridging of the old circuit. I said I had never been to Monza so he said he would take me to the bank.
“So at the end of the trackwalk we looked at what was really nice. On my first weekend, he asked me about my races. He doesn’t have to give me as much time as he does, but I think he really makes time for his team, which is nice because he has such a great résumé. “
In addition to the W-Series, Hawkins has now participated in six races of the British Touring Car Championship with two separate teams.
When asked if a full-time position at BTCC might be an option in the future, she stated, “Growing up I watched F1 and touring cars on TV all the time, and touring cars are probably a bit more attainable for me in my career, and that is really my heart. Although I’m not able to sign contracts now, I think a whole season is not entirely out of the question.
“I know a team that I really want to be with and I know they want me too, but there are a few things that need to be sorted out first. I certainly still have open business with touring cars. “
Outside of racing and Aston Martin, Hawkins was also successful as a stunt driver, first with the Fast and Furious live shows and now with the new James Bond film No Time to Die.
“I took this route because I ran out of money to race and the opportunity came up to be part of the Fast and Furious live shows,” she said.
“I thought, ‘I don’t have the money to race so I’ll just go and do it.’ I had never really done drifting before, but I got it pretty well and ended up getting this job. I have toured Europe doing live shows for a couple of years and it has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
“It then turned into films after I met people and started going that direction. It’s something I’d love to come back to over and over again, but I’m far from finished with the racing dream, ”said Hawkins.
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