Jessica Hawkins’ rise through the motorsport ranks has rarely followed a conventional path — but few drivers on the British scene have shown the same resilience in carving out a career at the highest levels of the sport.
Her journey began at just eight years old, quickly establishing herself as one of Britain’s brightest young karting prospects. Hawkins claimed cadet titles in the UK before immediately making an impact internationally, winning on her European debut and building a reputation as a fierce competitor from an early age.
Like many talented young drivers, however, financial realities soon became a major obstacle. After stepping up to single-seaters in Formula 4 in 2015, Hawkins showed promise but was unable to continue progressing up the ladder due to budget constraints.
Rather than stepping away from the sport, she adapted — making the switch to touring cars and nearly claiming the Mini Challenge UK Cooper Pro Class title in an impressive transition to tin-top racing.
Her versatility continued to shine as she balanced multiple programmes, combining commitments with the Aston Martin F1 Team and the W Series while also competing in TCR UK machinery. In 2022, Hawkins enjoyed one of her strongest seasons in W Series, securing a podium finish in Miami before delivering another standout performance in front of home fans at Silverstone Circuit.
Aston Martin role continues to grow.
Hawkins’ relationship with Aston Martin F1 Team has gone from strength to strength since she joined as an ambassador in 2021.
The team later expanded her role, naming her Head of Racing for its F1 Academy programme, where she now plays a key role in developing young female talent.
In 2026, Hawkins is continuing that work while mentoring Mathilda Paatz during the youngster’s rookie F1 Academy campaign.
Away from the circuit, Hawkins has become one of British motorsport’s most recognisable advocates for diversity and inclusion, regularly using her platform to inspire the next generation of female racers.
And her own ambitions remain firmly intact — with the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans still a major long-term target.
Strong British GT start with MKH Racing
For 2026, Hawkins has returned her focus to full-time competition in the British GT Championship, joining MKH Racing for a GT4 title assault.
Driving the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 alongside teammate Will Orton, the pairing arrived with serious expectations — and wasted little time proving they belong in the championship fight.
At Silverstone Circuit’s iconic Silverstone 500, the duo qualified on the front row of the GT4 grid, narrowly missing pole to a fast-starting Toro Verde Ginetta.
When it mattered most on race day, Hawkins delivered under pressure.
Taking over for the closing stint, she produced a composed and clinical drive, repeatedly lapping under the 2:11 mark while managing traffic and resisting pressure from behind as the race entered its decisive stages.
She ultimately brought the car home second overall in GT4 and second in GT4 Silver — a standout result in MKH Racing’s maiden full-season British GT campaign.
With 27 championship points secured and momentum firmly on their side, Hawkins and MKH Racing have already established themselves as serious contenders as the 2026 season begins to gather pace.
For a driver who has repeatedly had to adapt, overcome setbacks and forge her own opportunities, it feels like Jessica Hawkins’ story is still only getting started.
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