Jamie Chadwick’s career in motorsport is looking set for an upgrade in 2023, with the three-time W Series Champion looking into racing in the United States next season; however, could a move to Formula 2 also be on the cards?
The latter has been brought into question following an interview with Caitlyn Jenner, founder of Jenner Racing, which took place in May during the Miami Grand Prix.
The conversation was shown again recently during Sky Sports F1’s 2022 W Series review, with the serious having been abruptly ended following financial issues.
Following a lack of funding, the season ended without the last three rounds of the championship being completed.
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It meant that Chadwick was crowned a three-time champion earlier than expected; however, she was set to claim the title regardless given her domination in the series.
The British driver wasn’t set to race in the series this season but was brought into it as a Jenner Racing driver; she won’t be returning in 2023.
Many criticised Chadwick for returning to the series after being unable to find a seat elsewhere; however, given how expensive it is, especially for female drivers given the lack of sponsorship and funding, it was the best option for 2022.
Jenner revealed that she understood why people weren’t happy to see Chadwick back in the series and actually agreed with them; however, it is all part of a project to get the talented driver “at least a Formula 2” seat.
“I fought hard for Jamie, it wasn’t easy,” Jenner admitted during an interview prior to the Miami Grand Prix in May, per Sky Sports F1.
“Mostly because she’s won the series the last two years and people are asking why is she still there? I agree with them 100 per cent.
“I had this conversation with Jamie. I said, ‘I want this to be your last year with W Series. Next year, I want at least a Formula 2 ride for you.’ That’s what we’re pushing for.”
Formula 2 isn’t looking like an option for 2023, with a move to Indy Lights the preferred option seemingly for the W Series champion, who recently tested for Andretti Autosport.
This would actually be a smart move for the driver, with the championship representing a great stepping stone to then go on to have a career in the US perhaps in IndyCar, or to then return to Europe to compete in F3 or F2.
Andretti would also be a very good side to get into should a seat be available in Indy Lights, especially given the side’s stature in IndyCar and ambition to soon introduce a team in Formula 1.
Chadwick recently explained that the experience of testing an Indy Lights car was “awesome” and that a move across the pond looks “interesting”.
“Nothing is confirmed yet, but I did the test with the Andretti team, and it was awesome,” Chadwick said on Sky’s ‘Any Driven Monday’ in October.
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“I really enjoyed driving the car and I really loved working with the team.
“I think the Indy Lights, IndyCar route – the road to Indy it’s called – is really cool for young drivers. It’s a big opportunity over there. It’s looking interesting, but nothing confirmed yet.
“It’s nice to now be in a position that I’m looking really positively at these options going forwards. Nothing confirmed, but I’m really looking forward to trying to get things nailed in for the next year.”