Jamie Chadwick has been named as the Reserve Driver for Genesis Magma Racing’s maiden FIA WEC campaign next year, following her debut test outing in the GMR-001 Hypercar last month.
The Briton was one of the members of Genesis Magma Racing’s Trajectory Programme this season, competing in the European Le Mans Series and 24 Hours of Le Mans in an IDEC Sport ORECA 07 – Gibson.
Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella scored three LMP2 wins in the ELMS, two of them outright, on their way to third in the drivers’ championship.
The 27-year-old got her first experience of the GMR-001 during a three-day test at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, where she shared the 3.2L V8-powered machine with 2026 race drivers Jaubert, Juncadella, Pipo Derani and André Lotterer. This included running in both wet and dry conditions.
“My first laps in the GMR-001 Hypercar were amazing,” Chadwick said.
“It’s a really impressive car and so fast in a straight line. There’s a lot of different systems available to you as a driver, tools that you can use to make a difference. Obviously, so much is changing and evolving with every test that the team does, but it’s just a super car to drive, but also just a great team to be part of.
“It’s hugely special to be involved in the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar. It’s another progression in my career and one I’m really proud of. Becoming a Reserve Driver in Hypercar is one step closer to my ultimate goal. The opportunity to test and drive more is something that I’m really looking forward to and a role that I’m going to try to relish and make the most of.
“The development role can also be a huge help to my racing. Obviously, Hypercar is a step up in terms of everything that you’re learning, but you can still take that back to other categories and series just from the constant testing and working with the engineers.”
In 2026, Chadwick will balance her Reserve and Development Driver role alongside a to-be-announced race programme.
Gabriele Tarquini, Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director, commented: “I think it said everything when I saw her face the first time she jumped out of the car. She was very, very happy. I think she enjoyed the laps at Magny-Cours, even it was just a short test.
“It’s always very good to have feedback from a new driver who doesn’t know the car at all. Jamie has had a fantastic season with our Trajectory Programme in the European Le Mans Series. As a development driver for the GMR-001 Hypercar, she will be a vital part of our team for the future in helping us prepare for events and make the progression we will need during our first season.”
The Genesis GMR-001 will make its race debut at next year’s Qatar 1812KM, the opening race of the 2026 FIA WEC, on 26th to 28th March 2026.
Images courtesy of Genesis
