Written by Sophie Harvey, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the motor racing world to the present day. Woman Spotlight Wednesday aims to take a look at the tales of these superwomen, who have surpassed various hurdles to reach where they are today.
This week's article focuses on Haas F1 Team’s newest recruit, Chloe Chambers. After a brief stint in W Series, Chambers has soared in popularity since her history-making Formula Regional Oceania campaign — she’s one to watch, that’s for sure.
Born in 2004, Chambers is of Chinese descent, but was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She made her karting debut in 2014, and went on to experience great success in series such as Rotax Mini Max, Junior ROK and the X30 Junior SKUSA Super Nationals.
In 2021, she graduated to the F4 United States Championship for her single-seater debut, after winning PHM Racing’s Powering Diversity scholarship. Partnering Future Star Racing, Chambers achieved her first point-scoring result at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course — navigating a tricky year to finish 26th in the championship.
With just one year of single-seater experience, the young American was chosen to formulate the 2022 W Series grid, after impressing in both the Arizona and Barcelona pre-season tests.
Partnering existing champion Jamie Chadwick, Chambers achieved her first points-paying position at the Miami double header, when she was classified as the highest-placed rookie.
When the W Series came to an abrupt and unfortunate end, Chambers made the unexpected switch to Formula Regional Oceania, partnering Giles Motorsport. It was here she rewrote history, becoming the first female pole-sitter and winner — clinching her maiden win at Taupo International.
The New Zealand-based championship also crowned Chambers the title of ‘Most Improved Driver’ for her incredible efforts, the American finishing the season with 176 points to her name, and ninth in the driver’s standings.
After a brief appearance in the World Racing League, Chambers joined the Porsche Junior Programme to compete in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America with TCS Racing. In an incredibly competitive season, she drove her Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport to an incredible seven wins over the twelve races she contested in — achieving sixth in the overall standings.
Her latest career announcement is arguably the biggest of them all — joining F1 Academy for the 2024 season. Becoming the Haas F1 Team’s nomination, the American will drive for Campos Racing, alongside Sauber’s Carrie Schreiner and another teammate, yet to be confirmed.
An elated Chambers stated: “I’m super excited to be driving for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team with Campos Racing in F1 Academy. Having the backing of Haas is going to open many doors for new experiences and it’s going to be a place where I can learn.”
Ayao Komatsu, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s newly appointed Team Principal, also shared his own happiness at the announcement:
“It was great to meet Chloe and see her enthusiasm for the season ahead, and the team thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her at the factory – from speaking with our engineers, participating in pit stop practice and undertaking her first media obligations.
"MoneyGram Haas F1 Team fully supports Formula 1 and F1 Academy in its objectives, and we’re committed to increasing the talent pool of young girls and women entering the sport, utilising our resources.”
This will be a huge opportunity for Chloe Chambers to showcase her experience, whilst receiving support from the only American F1 team on the grid. We wish Chloe an abundance of luck for this new and exciting venture — make sure to tune into the incoming F1 Academy season to find out how she fares!
Comments