2021 GB3 champion Zak O’Sullivan will make his Formula 1 weekend debut at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Williams Racing.
The Academy driver will get behind the wheel of Alex Albon’s FW45 during the Free Practice 1 session, his first experience of the car. O’Sullivan will also take part in the end-of-season Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit.
O’Sullivan won the GB3 Championship in 2021 with Carlin and won the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award in the same year, earning him a private Formula 1 test with the team.
In 2022 and 2023 he raced in FIA F3 and, this season, finished as the series runner-up for Prema having taken four wins and one pole position. For 2024, he will make the next step up the ladder and compete in FIA Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix.
“I’m really excited to participate in FP1 at Abu Dhabi,” said O’Sullivan. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW45 for the first time and get some good mileage under my belt.
“In addition to that, I’m returning to the car for the post-season rookie test to further my development with the team.
“Huge thanks to Williams Racing for the opportunity and for putting their faith in me to drive the 2023 car.”
Sven Smeets, the team’s Sporting Director, said: “Both Zak and Franco [Colapinto, who will also do the post-season test] have had impressive seasons in Formula 3 and we’re now looking forward to giving them the opportunity to drive the FW45 in Abu Dhabi to aid their development as part of their roles in the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
“The pair have demonstrated a high level of understanding and maturity during their simulator work conducted at Grove.
“I know they'll both be working hard in preparation for this experience and will make the most of it.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is on 24-26 November.