James Bond movie stunt driver and W Series racer Jessica Hawkins has joined the Aston Martin Formula One team as ‘driver ambassador’.
The team of four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll said in a statement on Wednesday that she will work with partners and « across a variety of disciplines ».
If somewhat vague on detail, the new job could involve the 26-year-old Briton showing off some of the skills featured in the yet-to-be-released Bond movie ‘No Time to Die’.
« I enjoy sending cars sideways almost as much as I do racing, » she told Reuters.
Aston Martin, the fictional British secret agent’s car of choice, have played up the Bond connection since returning to Formula One this season in a rebranding of Silverstone-based Racing Point.
Their F1 car launch in March was presented online by « Quantum of Solace » actress Gemma Arterton, with Bond actor Daniel Craig delivering a message of support.
Hawkins, a former British karting champion, also has racing credentials although far from the level required to obtain a Formula One super-licence.
The all-female W Series is supporting Formula One and Hawkins follows defending champion Jamie Chadwick, who has a development role with Williams, in forging a connection to an F1 team.
Daughter of an air-conditioning fitter, her racing career stalled for lack of cash until the Formula Three-level W Series came along in 2019 with all costs paid.
« When I was 10 or 11 I was named the female most likely to make it to Formula One and it never materialised, » said Hawkins, who recalled once beating future Red Bull F1 driver Alexander Albon.
« I may not have made it… but I’m certainly proud of where I am and the journey I’ve been on to get to where I am. »
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/31471173/bond-stunt-driver-jessica-hawkins-gets-aston-martin-f1-role
