JAMIE Chadwick has joined Williams as their development driver.

The 21-year-old, who leads the inaugural W Series championship standings, will work with the Formula 1 team both trackside and at their factory in Grove.

Chadwick will undertake simulator work for Williams, as well as attend three European races, starting at the British Grand Prix from July 12-14.

She joins reserve Nicholas Latifi in the team’s driver academy.

Chadwick said: “It is a great honour to be joining the Williams driver academy.

“The time in the simulator is a fantastic opportunity to aid with my development.

“I look forward to spending time in the factory at Grove, immersing myself within the team and assisting wherever I can.

“Being a part of the driver academy is an amazing platform and I’m excited to get started.”

Chadwick claimed the British GT4 title in 2015, became the first female to win a British Formula 3 race in 2018 and also clinched the MRF Winter Series last year.

She also tops the W Series standings after earning victory in the season-opener in Hockenheim and finishing second in Saturday’s second round in Zolder.

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams added: “Promoting women in motorsport is extremely important and having a female role model as part of our Driver Academy will hopefully inspire young girls to take up racing at a young age.

“We hope to show that motorsport is inclusive and exciting, be that as a driver or on the engineering side. Jamie is a great talent and I look forward to working with her.”