She takes on W Series race tracks, performs professional stunts for Fast and Furious Live and drifts for the latest James Bond movie that only very few can pull off! We were very lucky to catch up with the incredible W Series world record holder Jessica Hawkins about all things racing, cars, and binge-watching Netflix.
So, tell us; how are you coping during this lockdown period?
Well, I’ve got a lot more free time which means I can concentrate on my fitness. I was training a lot before, but now I’m seriously focussed. I guess that’s a silver lining in a world full of uncertainty. I have also recently got a simulator installed in my flat, so I’ve been spending time on that which is the next best thing to being out on the track – I’m just trying to utilise the time as best I can.
Let’s go back to the start – how did you get into racing?
I was always an active kid, running around, playing different sports and stuff like that. I was out with my dad one weekend playing golf, which wasn’t my favourite, but there was a little go-kart track in the distance. I begged him to let me have a go but I was too small at the time, to his delight. But, when we went back a couple of months later, they had moved the height restriction down, to my dad’s despair and my delight. I had a go and went back again and again. In that first year, we won the championship and from there I never looked back – I was hooked. I gave up on my other sports and kind of dedicated myself to motorsport. It has been my life ever since. I have no idea what I would do if it wasn’t in my life. Who knew that when I was eight years old that I would be doing this? When I think back it’s absolutely crazy, what path would I have taken if that didn’t happen? It hasn’t been an easy path but I’m very thankful and I think it’s made me who I am today and I’m proud of where I am.
So now that you are an established driver for W Series, who’s your inspiration now?
You know what, I don’t think I have one specific person. Obviously, there’s a lot of role models that I look up to, but I don’t know if I have a specific one. I applaud a lot of drivers and I respect every single driver out there because I can obviously understand what we go through, especially the ones that have had it tough, struggled for money and are still going, making their dream happen. I guess as much as we’re against each other on track we kind of all understand each other.
What is it about racing that you love the most?
What first attracted me to it was the speed and the competition – I’m a really competitive person.
So, even in a random game of bowling and everything you just want to win?
Basically, yeah. I guess it kind of fits my personality well. The speed, the driving, there isn’t anything that I don’t love about it. Well, apart from the fact that I can’t go racing every day of the week. I have absolutely no shame in admitting that my life is motorsport.
What’s it like being a woman in motorsport? Things have changed recently with people like yourself coming into fruition, but do you feel that W Series has pushed the boundaries in the right direction?
Yeah for sure! When I first started at eight years old, I can only remember one or two other female drivers within the whole of motorsport. Maybe a female mechanics too, but certainly over the years, there has been a steady flow of more females within the sport. Not just drivers but mechanics, engineers and truck drivers too. Honestly, I was kind of oblivious that I was a female and the others weren’t. I don’t remember feeling like an outsider because I was a female, but certainly, a hundred per cent W series has exceeded my expectations massively. I would never have had the opportunity to do what I’m doing without W Series. They’ve opened so many doors for me and I honestly couldn’t be more thankful – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I just need to make the most of it.
So, at the moment what would you say is your favourite track that you’ve raced on?
I really enjoyed Assen, I quite like Norisring as well. Misano I enjoyed… I’ve not given you an answer there have I? (laughing)
If you could race on any track, whether it’s with W Series or F1, what would be the track you would love to race on?
Ah, that’s a difficult question! I’m going to go with Monaco. There’s just something about Monaco and it’s not just driving, I’d love to win there.
How would you say racing has changed your life?
Again, I think that’s quite a difficult question to answer because all I’ve ever known is motorsport, but there have been some extreme highs, accompanied by some extreme lows and it’s, you know, all about how you bounce back from those extreme lows. You won’t get anywhere within motorsport without working hard, so I think it’s made me hardworking, and it’s given me something to aim for. Most people have a dream and I’m just one of the extremely lucky few that has been able to follow that dream. I may not be quite where I want to be yet, but I’m certainly on the way, and I’m having a great time on the journey.
So, I’m going to get into what I’ve been really excited to talk to you about. As soon as we heard that you did the stunt driving for the new James Bond movie, we were like, who is that, we want to know everything about her! Tell us about that process, how did that come about?
So, I’ve found that the whole stunt and precision driving thing uses some of the same skills as racing but in a slightly different way.
A few years ago, I had no money to go racing. I hadn’t given up, but I was kind of stressed, wondering how could continue driving as that’s what I love to do. The opportunity arose for me to go for an audition for Fast and Furious Live at the O2 Arena. I basically blagged my way to an audition because I actually hadn’t drifted or anything like that before, but I said that I had. I then went to Ireland to teach myself how to drift as my audition was just a few days away and it was the only place that could teach me at such short notice. Within two hours I had learnt the basics.
When I got to the audition, there were lots of other girls – one of them was the Queen Drifter for Europe and I was like oh my god, I don’t stand a chance… I only learned how to doughnut yesterday! But, I must have completely fluked the audition because I got the job and after three months of intensive training, I was ready for the show. So, I’m very lucky that I took to it quite quickly and that opened up a whole new world for me really.
It gave me a second chance within the driving scene and I went on to do Fast and Furious Live which lasted for about a year and a half. I then did a couple of shows with a guy who has his own stunt show and he told me that James Bond was looking for a female for one of their new movie scenes. I had to go to another audition, but I was the only one there this time as the movie industry is quite difficult to get into. I had to do very similar things – drift around cones and stuff but by then I knew exactly what I was doing, and they chose me for the scene. I’ve never looked back. There’s a little teaser scene that has already been released for a Land Rover advert..
We caught the Land Rover tease on your Instagram, is that you doing that stunt?
Yeah. I’m the middle car, it was so sick, I’d do it again if I could. Honestly that Land Rover Defender just took it and took it, it was amazing. I had the privilege of being one of the first to drive the new models.
Is there anything you can take from stunt driving and apply to racing?
Um, yes and no. You have to be absolutely perfect, precise and timing is everything. But other than that, not really!
What’s your dream car?
Land Rover Defender.
Really?! Even if you could use any car?
Ah, I’m going to have to pick two! The Land Rover Defender as a daily car and the Jaguar Project 8.
Outside of racing what are you into? Are you into music, going to music festivals or films?
I’ve never been to a music festival in my life; I’m probably the most boring 25-year-old you’ll ever meet. Although I’ve never been to a music festival, I am heavily into music, especially house and deep house music.
I have a thing for white trainers, I am a sneakerhead without shame, I have probably have a few too many.
Do you have a favourite artist at all?
I can give you a favourite song. I’ve got a playlist of around seven songs that I listen to before a race but if I had to pick a favourite song it would be Timbaland “The Way I Are”.
What about clothing? Do you have a specific brand you like to wear? Are you into trainers?
I’m way into my trainers. I have a thing for white trainers. I am a sneakerhead without shame and probably have a few too many. I’m not going to mention any specific brands just in case anyone wants to sponsor me… I’m going to leave that wide open!
If you could compete in any of these races which would it be and why: The Grand Prix at Monaco, Le Mans for 24 hours or the Indy 500?
Am I winning?
We’re a team here Jess, so yep you’re winning.
Okay, if Monaco wasn’t a part of the championship and was a stand-alone race, I’d go with that.
What would your advice be for people that are looking to follow in your footsteps to become a professional driver?
I would say never say no to any opportunity, just say yes and do it. Get all the experience you can, work hard and even if you have massive lows, you just have to ride the wave and keep focused. Things will get better!
Keep a look out for Jessica on instagram 1jessicahawkins and W Series on www.wseries.com