JEDDAH — Aston Martin driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins visited The British International School of Jeddah on Thursday where she spoke to Year 6 students about the world of motorsport and the many career opportunities it presents to both young men and women.

In doing so, Jessica spoke about her own role at the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team as well as her inspirational journey to becoming a professional racing driver.

Named as driver ambassador for Aston Martin in 2021, Jessica is visiting the Kingdom in this role ahead of the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2022 which is taking place this weekend at the brand-new Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Jessica is renowned for her work as a professional driver on and off track. She began her racing career in 2014 when she took part in the British Formula Ford Championship. Since then, she has worked her way up through the levels, competing in several championships including the British Touring Car Championship and W Series, the all-female racing series currently supporting multiple Formula 1 races on the calendar.

Most recently she’s displayed her technical skills as a stunt driver for the latest instalment of the James Bond franchise and global box office hit No Time to Die.

F1 is returning to Saudi Arabia less than four months after Lewis Hamilton dramatically clinched victory ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, considered one of the most exciting races of the thrilling 2021 season. Home to the fastest street circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is once again ready to welcome thousands of fans for another three days of exhilarating racing action and live entertainment this weekend.

Speaking after her visit to the British International School of Jeddah, Jessica said: “I’ve really enjoyed my visit today and sharing my experiences with the students here. I think it’s really important for young people in the Kingdom to realise the many opportunities that exist in the world of motorsport, regardless of your background or gender. It’s been a delight to hear from the students and to answer their questions and I really hope I’ve helped to inspire the next generation of motorsport professionals here in Saudi Arabia.”

Simon Clark, Primary Deputy Head Teacher of the British International School of Jeddah was delighted to welcome Jessica today: “It was absolutely wonderful to have a British female driver come and talk to the students today. While many of our students were already excited to be witnessing the second F1 race in Jeddah in the last 4 months, there were many more that have now caught the F1 bug as a result of Jessica’s visit. It was great for the students to have the gender stereotype of race car driving challenged and for many of our girls in particular to be inspired by Jessica’s journey into motorsport. You never know, in that hall today there could well be a future female F1 driver!’” — SG