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The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning
the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her
21st birthday in May with a new role as development driver for
the Williams F1 team.
She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of
the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title
partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One
test.
The experience of being on the inside of the grand prix paddock
has made her realize just how much more she has to do, however.
Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female
Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely
honest, further away.
"Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know
what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to
rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added.
Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace
departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy
world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super license but also
because she is nowhere near ready.
Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world
champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to
meet.
"I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want
to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make,"
said Chadwick.
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While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her
work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track.
Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team
principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar
role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice
sessions.
Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity.
"In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion.
We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she
said.
"If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I
can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that
hopefully gives me justifiable reason to potentially test the
car at a future date."
Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year,
hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder.
"At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been
absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the
(financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said.
"Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign...
that’s going to give me that opportunity."
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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