Jamie Chadwick completed a full day of running at the Formula E Rookie Test in Berlin, finishing P18 in Session 1 and P19 in Session 2 for Jaguar. The outing marked her third time behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo car this season, following previous test appearances in Madrid and Jeddah.
Formula E cars are “complex machines,” says Chadwick
Between the two sessions, Chadwick shared her thoughts on her continued development with the car, how her diverse racing background is influencing her approach, and what the future might hold for her career.
“It definitely helps every time you drive the car,” she said when asked by Pit Debrief how her understanding of the Formula E machinery had evolved over the course of her three test outings.
“They’re pretty complex machines, so definitely gaining understanding of everything. Even now, you’re still just scratching the surface of all the systems and things that it’s capable of, but definitely confidence within the car has always grown, which is a good thing. A day like today, that’s a full day, really gives you a good opportunity to get your teeth into a lot of things, which is nice.”
Objectives set by Jaguar
Although Chadwick’s finishing positions didn’t reflect headline pace, the rookie test serves a deeper purpose—both for the driver and the team—by gathering data and learning more about the car in a low-pressure, high-value environment.
“The main thing is running through a lot of test items. It’s a busy day for the team, to be honest. They don’t get a huge amount of opportunities like this,” Chadwick explained.
“There are so many different systems within the car that you can change and adapt. It’s running through all of those, back-to-back, working out what might be nice and work well for the future, what might still need some refining.
“Focusing on that from a personal point of view, it doesn’t give loads of opportunity to work on yourself. But it’s more trying to do the best job that you can to give good feedback and focus on delivering the best job to the team.”
Gaining experience in the Formula E rookie test in Berlin
Chadwick’s varied experience in both single-seaters and endurance racing, including her recent Le Mans debut, offers a unique skillset that she believes serves her well in Formula E’s high-pressure environment.
“I think all experience is good experience,” she said. “Having had that single-seater experience, especially in Indy NXT, some of the tracks I don’t feel are too dissimilar to some of the tracks that you get in Formula E. This short nature, bumpy approach doesn’t seem too dissimilar.
“Obviously, in endurance racing, it’s a little bit different as well. I think it helps to give you a more rounded view when you come to do something like this. What I love about Formula E is how competitive it is and the uniqueness of its challenge, which every time I get in, I’m reminded of.”
What will the future bring?
Looking ahead, Chadwick remains open to the future, whether it be in endurance racing or a potential full-time switch to Formula E.
“We’ll see. I’m open to so much. I’m really enjoying endurance racing at the moment. Then, having an opportunity to do days like today in Formula E is fantastic as well. I just want to focus on my performance, do the best I can always and see where that takes me.”
And beyond the data gathering and technical feedback, the rookie test offers valuable exposure—something Chadwick recognises as crucial in staying in the mix for future opportunities.
“Really important for seat time and just learning. I always feel like there’s so much benefit to that. I think staying relevant is also key.
“You never know what opportunities might come about. Formula E is so competitive now. But to be in and amongst a top team like Jaguar is a really good place to be. There are a few sides to it, but I’ve always followed Formula E and love Formula E. To be a part of it as well in this role is something I really enjoy.”
Gaining confidence with the years
Finally, reflecting on her journey so far and what she’d tell her younger self, Chadwick shared a candid moment of self-advice:
“I would say don’t put too much pressure on yourself, don’t stress too much, you’ll be fine. Back yourself, I think confidence. Anyone starting in their career is sometimes hard to find.
“I think it’s something I lacked when I was younger, so having that confidence. I never would have thought I would have got to this point.”
Chadwick added: “I told myself it was all going to be okay eventually.”
As Chadwick continues to develop her skills across multiple platforms, her steady rise and adaptability remain impressive, whether she’s chasing tenths in a Formula E car or endurance glory at Le Mans.
