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.
Today’s article highlights the story of Jessica Edgar — a rapid 18-year old, preparing to contend in her second season of F1 Academy. Having entered the competition with less than a year of single-seater experience under her belt, this Brit is progressing at an exponential rate, in her quest to reach the upper echelons of motorsport.
To say motorsport runs through Edgar’s blood would be an understatement — with a racing father, uncle and grandad, it’s unsurprising for her to be driving karts by the age of four. Notably, she is also the cousin of Jonny Edgar, most recognised for his three seasons in FIA Formula 3 and his upcoming pursuit in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
Living in Ennerdale, Cumbria, Edgar had an illustrious karting career. As champion of the Cumbria Kart Racing Club in 2017, she leveled up to the Motorsport Kartmasters Grand Prix and the British Kart Championship, coming second and fourth in her respective classes in 2019.
In 2022, Edgar made the leap to single-seaters in the form of the newly created GB4 Championship — a UK-based F4-level spec series, aimed at those graduating from karts or club level motorsport.
The Brit joined forces with Fortec Motorsport and scored top ten results in most rounds, including a podium finish at Oulton Park. She secured a mighty points total of 269, enough to place seventh in the driver’s championship.
Although another season of GB4 looked to be on the cards, Edgar held out when the word of F1 Academy began to circulate. After testing was successful, she secured a full-time drive at Rodin Carlin, formulating their 2023 lineup alongside Abbi Pulling and former GB4 rival, Megan Gilkes.
She started the season as she intended to go on, securing third at the series’ opening race at the Red Bull Ring, Austria. Above all, Edgar’s consistency outshone plenty of her more experienced rivals — scoring points in 15 of the 21 races held. The 18-year-old ended the season on the highest of highs, achieving her first single-seater win in the final race of the season, Austin.
After four podium appearances, Edgar ended the season with 116 points, and eighth in the driver’s championship — an additional two points would have placed her in sixth, reflecting just how close the competition was.
Recently, the newly renamed Rodin Motorsport announced that the Northerner will continue with the team for another season of F1 Academy, alongside Pulling and team newcomer Lola Lovinfosse.
In response to the news, Edgar shared her excitement at this continued partnership: “I am really excited to be working with Rodin Motorsport once again this year. I would like to say a big thank you to Rodin Motorsport for the opportunity to return to the F1 Academy grid and keep building on what I learned last year.”
Benn Huntingford, Rodin Motorsport’s Team Manager went on to praise Edgar, stating: “Jess showed brilliant potential in F1 Academy with us last year, and we are really excited to work with her again this season. We ended the 2023 season on a high in Austin, so it will be really exciting to see how Jess develops further with us this season.”
Edgar will be hoping to culminate her experience to break out of the midfield, and establish herself as a front-runner. Although the level of competition will be high, there is no doubt she will build on what was a promising rookie season, and take the challenge in her stride.
We wish Jessica Edgar the best of luck in the upcoming season of F1 Academy and all her future endeavors — this certainly won’t be the last time you hear her name.
If you are interested in following F1 Academy more closely, you can tune into the action at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia, on the 7th of March. For information on how to watch the series where you live, click the link below:
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