Williams team principal and CEO, Jost Capito, is not sure he is on board with the opinion of Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, that women cannot compete in Formula 1.
Jamie Chadwick won the British GT4 Championship in 2015, before claiming first in the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 in 2019, ahead of drivers such as Jack Doohan, who scored two podiums in five appearances that campaign.
The Briton has been part of the W Series since its inception in 2019, and she won the title that year, before adding to that success last year.
The 24-year-old looks well on course to become a three-time champion this season, and the time has perhaps come for her to chase new challenges.
READ: ‘Guinea Pig’ Chadwick admits changes may be needed to accommodate women in Formula 1
She has made it clear she expects this season to be her last in the W Series, which divided opinion when it was introduced due to the danger of further segregation between men and women in racing.
Chadwick is slated to complete a test in an Indy Lights car with Andretti, and will be at the Singapore Grand Prix racing in the W Series in October.
She is part of the Williams development programme, and the British team are preparing her for a potential Formula 1 drive in the future, but Domenicali suggested previously that any female participation in the pinnacle of motorsport in the next five years is “very unlikely.”
This comment was criticised by Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, and Capito has now voiced his opposition to the Italian’s view.
“I haven’t heard that from Stefano and I think Jamie should not be impressed by that, because this is Stefano’s view and based on what?” he queried when speaking with Sky Sports.
“So, we are working very close and very well with Jamie, she is part of our academy and from this year on since beginning of the year we have a proper academy programme.
“So, we have all our academy drivers doing fitness camps, working together, so that helps Jamie an awful lot in this year that she is with our young guys together to see where the fitness is.
“She understands where she has to improve and she gets a very specific training, so that helps her a lot and gives her much more opportunities.”
The W Series was designed to help women get noticed by F1 teams, as well as team bosses in Formulae 2 and 3.
READ: Stefano Domenicali issues warning ahead of 2022 Italian Grand Prix
It acts as a springboard for women to get onto the main racing ladder, so the next step for Chadwick is to prove herself in the feeder series.
“But finally, she has to prove in F3 and F2 that she deserves a place in Formula 1, and if she is willing to do that, then she will have our support,” added Capito.
Chadwick leads Alice Powell by 78 points in the W Series Standings after winning five races this season.