The Formula 1 and W Series championships have arrived in Austin, Texas, for this weekend's US Grand Prix.The women in W Series will compete in a thrilling double-header finale at the Circuit of the Americas.During the first practice round, Lewis Hamilton stopped by to watch the race and show his support for his female counterparts.The seven-time championship winner was snapped trackside watching the practice race unfold. The picture was uploaded to Twitter by the official Mercedes account, along with the caption "Hey W Series, you've got a new fan."
Hamilton also posted a snippet of the practice race to his Instagram story and wrote: "Out watching and supporting @wseriesracing, these women are awesome."
W Series announced its official partnership with F1 ahead of the 2021 season and joined the championship's racing calendar. All eight races have been part of a Grand Prix weekend – starting off in Austria and finishing with the double-header in the USA.
The partnership has brought a new level of spotlight to the W Series and allowed the women the opportunity to race on some of the most famous circuits in the world, including Silverstone and Spa.
As it stands, reigning champion Jamie Chadwick of Veloce Racing, and Racing X driver Alice Powell head into the two races at COTA tied on 109 points each.
In these never-before-seen circumstances, the 2021 championship title will be decided across the next two days.
GiveMeSport Women spoke with both race leaders ahead of this thrilling double tie in Austin.
Chadwick admitted she is "confident" she can secure back-to-back titles and is ready to fight "all guns blazing" for this year's crown.
Powell paid homage to her title rival and admitted despite the unique situation of being tied on points so late in the season, she is hopeful of winning her first ever W Series championship.
The first race of the W Series double-header finale will take place on Saturday, October 23rd, at 23.25 BST, followed by the eighth and final race the following day at 17.05 BST. Both races will be available to watch live in the UK on Channel 4.