Jamie Chadwick Makes History with Genesis Magma Racing WEC Reserve Role

Jamie Chadwick is set to make history by joining Genesis Magma Racing as a reserve driver for the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class. This groundbreaking move sees her become the first female to hold a reserve Hypercar role, signaling a significant step in her career towards top-tier endurance racing.

Why it matters:

• Chadwick's appointment to a Hypercar reserve role is a major milestone for women in motorsport, breaking new ground in one of racing's most elite categories.
• It signifies a strategic shift in her career focus from single-seater racing to endurance, aligning with her long-term goal of securing a full-time professional seat in WEC.
• This development highlights the increasing opportunities for female drivers in top-level motorsport beyond Formula 1, challenging the perception that F1 is the sole ultimate goal.

The Details:

• Historic Appointment: Chadwick has been confirmed as the official reserve driver for Genesis Magma Racing, Hyundai's luxury brand, as they enter the WEC Hypercar class in 2026.
• Development Role: She will be actively involved in the development of Genesis Magma Racing's inaugural Hypercar, playing a crucial role in shaping the team's future competitiveness.
• Career Transition: This move follows her successful shift to sportscar racing in 2024, where she won three races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), becoming the first female winner in the series' premier category and finishing third in the championship.
  • She also made her debut at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, gaining valuable endurance racing experience.
• F1 Ambitions Revisited: Chadwick has openly acknowledged that a future in Formula 1 is becoming less realistic, shifting her focus to endurance racing where she sees more viable long-term career prospects.
• Broader Goal: She emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not just to get a woman into F1, but to increase female participation in professional roles across all disciplines of motorsport.

What's next:

Chadwick's journey with Genesis Magma Racing marks a pivotal moment, with her sights firmly set on a full-time Hypercar seat in the future. This role not only positions her at the forefront of a new WEC factory effort but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female drivers globally.

• Her continued involvement in car development and testing will be crucial in demonstrating her capabilities for a race seat.
• The success of her transition and the performance of Genesis Magma Racing in 2026 will be closely watched, potentially opening more doors for women in top-tier endurance racing.