Briton Jamie Chadwick wins W Series title

British rider Jamie Chadwick was crowned W Series champion after winning the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

Chadwick, 23 from Bath, headed to the season finale with a 10-point lead over compatriot Alice Powell after her victory on Saturday.

And after a flying start, she led every round to win the title and win the prize pool of US $ 500,000 (£ 363,000).

Powell failed to disturb her rival, starting ninth before passing the checkered flag in sixth.

Team Williams academy driver Chadwick won the first leg of the all-women’s championship in 2019.

Last year’s series was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic, with this quarter’s entire eight-race schedule featured on the Formula 1 undercard.

It has been 45 years since a female driver, the Italian Lella Lombardi, has not participated in an F1 race.

But Chadwick’s triumph will see her be awarded 15 points on her super license.

Forty points are required over a three-year period to participate in a grand prize, and 25 to participate in a practice session.

Williams driver George Russell, who will join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season, hugged Chadwick after his victory.

Chadwick said: “It means so much to win the title. It has been hard work this year.

“I knew the stakes were much higher here this weekend with the double title, so I’m so happy to finish first.”

Asked if her championship triumph could bring her closer to a seat in F1, Chadwick, draped in a Union flag, said: “I have an amazing relationship with Williams and they really got me. aid.

“There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work with them at their Grove factory, so I’m extremely grateful to them.

“I don’t know what will follow but I will take advantage of this moment.”