Jamie Chadwick shares Andretti Global's insight on custom IndyCar seat molding process

Andretti Global has uploaded a reel with Jamie Chadwick on its Instagram detailing the process of an IndyCar seat molding. The Indy NXT sensation was featured in the video and voiced over the process.

Andretti’s official Instagram account @Andrettiindy collaborated with IndyCar’s official account @Indycar for the reel. The Briton then shared the reel on her Instagram stories.

Chadwick said, “Did you know that IndyCar seats are uniquely molded for each driver? This ensures optimal comfort and support, allowing drivers to focus solely on driving without the distraction of bracing for high-speed turns and movements. To create these custom seats, a resin-infused beanbag-like material is placed within the car.”

“The driver then positions themselves and the beads are carefully manipulated to achieve the perfect fit. The process guarantees that the driver is at the correct height and their helmet is within the legal parameters. Once the seat is molded and hardened, the excess material is trimmed away to refine the shape.”

Unlike other motorsport categories, a driver essentially lays down inside an open-wheel racing car. The G force experienced inside the car throws the driver inside the cabin. Hence, the seat molding and padding are crucial to minimize the damage. The drivers themselves have to be physically fit and strong to sustain these forces.

Credits: Jamie Chadwick's Instagram/@jamiechadwick

Once the seat mold shape is refined, the pedals, steering wheel, seat belt, and headrest are then adjusted followed by a final seating test. However, the well-fitted cockpit also makes it snug for the drivers and difficult to move inside the cabin. Therefore, some drivers intentionally leave some extra room for changeable padding inside the cockpit.

Nonetheless, Jamie Chadwick has been racing with Andretti Global's Indy NXT team for the last couple of years. She was announced as the test driver for Jaguar’s Formula-E team.

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Jamie Chadwick at the all-female Formula-E test

The all-female F-E test was hosted at the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid in the second week of November. Many notable female drivers like Bianca Bustamante, Abbi Pulling, and Jamie Chadwick took part in the session.

Chadwick thanked Jaguar for the opportunity as her Instagram post's caption read:

“That was fun Big thank you to @jaguarracing and @fiaformulae for making this happen A little disappointed not to get a proper go at it on new tyres at the end but enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the Gen 3 Evo and already excited for the next!”

Abbi Pulling ended the session with the fastest time. However, Chadwick wasn't far behind as the Briton ended the session in P2. She was just over three tenths slower than Pulling with the fastest time of 1:31:209. The Jaguar entrants also completed the most laps with a tally of 39.