O’Sullivan established to generate Albon’s auto in Abu Dhabi FP1

Williams Racing Academy Driver Zak O’Sullivan will consider component in the 1st Totally free Apply session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, getting about the auto of Alexander Albon

With groups expected to operate a driver, who has started out two or less Grands Prix, in each and every of their autos throughout the time, various outfits have picked previous weekend’s Mexico Town Grand Prix and the time-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the location wherever their junior motorists get to generate their autos.

Williams required to operate a younger driver in only Alex Albon’s auto as rookie driver Logan Sargeant fulfilled the prerequisite at the time-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The Grove-primarily based outfit has now verified that Zak O’Sullivan will get at the rear of the wheel of Albon’s FW45 at Yas Marina Circuit for the hour session.

The 2023 Formulation three Vice Winner will also consider component in this year’s conclusion-of-time Youthful Driver Take a look at in Abu Dhabi, sharing driving responsibilities throughout the system of the working day with fellow Academy driver Franco Colapinto. The Argentinian driver will get his 1st flavor of a Formulation one auto all through the examination adhering to his debut in Formulation two with MP Motorsport in the last race of the time in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the team’s approach, Sporting Director Sven Smeets stated: “Both Zak and Franco have experienced amazing seasons in Formulation three and we’re now hunting ahead to supplying them the option to generate the FW45 in Abu Dhabi to assist their progress as component of their roles in the Williams Racing Driver Academy.

“The pair have shown a large stage of comprehension and maturity all through their simulator do the job carried out at Grove. I know they’re going to the two be doing the job tough in preparing for this practical experience and will make the most of it.”

Soon after effective seasons in Formulation three, in which O’Sullivan and Colapinto tied the all-time document for most wins in the championship (four), the two Academy motorists will be stepping up into Formulation two for 2024 with the Briton competing for Artwork Grand Prix and the Argentinian driver with MP Motorsport.

O’Sullivan’s 2023 time integrated 4 victories with two Element Race wins and two Dash wins, alongside with one particular pole place and a further more podium complete, ensuing in 2nd spot in the Championship. The British driver joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy in 2022 and has most notably received the prestigious Autosport BRDC Youthful Driver of the 12 months Award.

O’Sullivan commented: “I’m actually psyched to take part in FP1 at Abu Dhabi. I cannot hold out to get at the rear of the wheel of the FW45 for the 1st time and get some fantastic mileage less than my belt. In addition to that, I’m returning to the auto for the write-up-time rookie examination to further more my progress with the group. Substantial many thanks to Williams Racing for the option and for placing their religion in me to generate the 2023 auto.”

Colapinto’s 2nd time in F3 observed him complete fourth in the driver standings following professing two Dash victories and a whole of 5 podium finishes. Franco has been a component of the Driver Academy considering that the commence of 2023 and has amazing qualifications, with his most noteworthy achievements which includes getting the 2021 Asian Le Mans Collection Rookie of the 12 months and successful the 2019 Spanish Formulation four Championship.

“I am exceptionally grateful to Williams Racing for supplying me the option to generate an F1 auto in only my 1st calendar year in the Academy,” extra Colapinto. “I have been dreaming of this working day considering that I was a child and have been doing the job actually tough for this. To have this opportunity at the formal younger driver examination is a true honour. Thank you to the group for entrusting me with the FW45. Staying component of the Academy this calendar year has opened my eyes in so quite a few unique spots and I truly feel all set to make this phase. I cannot hold out.”