Jaguar confirms Chadwick and Wadoux for Formula E test

Three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick and Ferrari driver Lilou Wadoux will complete November’s all-female Formula E pre-season test in Valencia.

Chadwick, who competed in Indy NXT this season and became the first female driver to win on a road or street circuit in the history of the category, has previous Formula E experience, having driven in the two tests for NIO during season five.

Currently attempting to secure an IndyCar seat, Chadwick will also take part in the rookie test in Berlin later next year, again featuring in Jaguar colours.

“I’m very excited to be back working with Jaguar TCS Racing – a team that have seen so much success recently – and to be back in the world of electric racing,” said Chadwick, who raced for Veloce in the 2021 Extreme E season.

“Formula E is such an exciting, future-facing championship and I’m really looking forward to testing out the Jaguar I-TYPE 7.

“It will be a great opportunity to grow my relationship with the team, meet many other talented drivers and get to experience the mind-blowing technology in these cars.”

Partnering Chadwick is Wadoux, who brings a wealth of sportscar and GT experience. Most recently, the 23-year-old has featured in the IMSA SportsCar Championship's LMP2 category and in Super GT, but her racing CV includes two appearances at the Le Mans 24 Hours – in LMP2 and LMGTE Am.

#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Lilou Wadoux (Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images)

In 2023, she made history by becoming Ferrari’s first female factory driver, and then became the first female winner in any WEC class, topping the podium in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

“This will be my first time in a Formula E car and I can’t wait for the experience,” said Wadoux.

“This test is an amazing opportunity for me to get involved in the sport, one that is so well known for inspiring the next generation, and to get women more involved in motorsports.”

Of the pairing, team principal James Barclay added: “I have no doubt that we have two of the best drivers joining us.

“The test provides an important opportunity to showcase this highly talented group of women drivers in the pinnacle of electric racing. We’re looking forward to building on our relationship with Jamie after witnessing her amazing success in W Series and recently in Indy NXT.

“Lilou has gone from strength to strength with some impressive results in WEC, IMSA and other series, so I’m really excited to work with her for the first time and see her excel in Formula E with all of us here at Jaguar TCS Racing.”

The news leaves only Abt, Kiro Race Co and Mahindra without a confirmed pairing for the test.

Lena Buhler confirmed for Mahindra

Following the Jaguar news on Tuesday morning, Mahindra confirmed that F1 Academy driver Lena Buhler would feature for the manufacturer.

The Swiss driver scored two race wins and 11 further podiums in the inaugural 2023 season but has struggled after returning to Formula Regional European this term, competing in 12 races without scoring a point.

In September, she announced she was “taking some time off, as I evaluate the next steps in my racing career”.

Speaking of her Formula E test, Bühler said: “I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to take part in the Women’s Test with Mahindra Racing.

“It’s one of the championship’s iconic names, and with two strong drivers, and a wealth of engineering knowledge and experience, I know I’ll have not only a fantastic opportunity to learn, but also be given the best preparation possible for my first time in the Formula E car.

“This test is such a great initiative, and the GEN3 Evo is going to be a very interesting car to drive. The goal is to learn as much as possible, both in and out of the car, and make sure I’m spending time with the team, understanding the processes and so on to grow as a driver. Above all, I just want to enjoy the experience!”