O’Sullivan, Aron and Top 3 Teams enjoy 2023 successes at Prize Giving

18 December 2023

Whilst it was Trident’s Gabriel Bortoleto who swept up the Drivers’ Championship title and best rookie honours at the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Prize Giving ceremony, there was plenty of silverware still to be handed out as PREMA Racing brought home their fourth Teams’ title in five seasons.

After hearing from our newest champion, here’s what our top two drivers Zak O’Sullivan and Paul Aron and three very proud team bosses had to say after they collected their awards their top three place placements in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship.

Zak O’Sullivan, PREMA Racing – Vice-Champion

Back with a vengeance after his rookie campaign last year, Zak O’Sullivan made his presence known in 2023 as he secured the runner-up honours and now prepares to step up to Formula 2 with newly crowned Champions ART Grand Prix.

The Williams Academy driver equalled the all-time record for the most victories in F3 on four with Dennis Hauger, Jack Doohan, Frederik Vesti and Franco Colapinto, as well as tying the record for grand chelems with two to his name.

“It’s very good looking back on the season. I was pretty close to the title with P2 and four wins, so a good season for me. Next year will be my rookie year in F2, I think the main targets for me are to learn as much as possible early in the year and really see where I get to. I would say it’s hard to put a number on results, but let’s see.”

Paul Aron, PREMA Racing – P3 in Drivers’ Championship

Enjoying a strong start to his rookie F3 campaign, Paul Aron achieved points in three of the first four races, including a maiden podium finish in Melbourne. However, it was after the mid-season break that the Estonian driver truly flourished.

A podium on the streets of Monte Carlo was followed up with a victory in the Spielberg Sprint Race and the run of form launched him into the title fight all the way to final round. After making his F2 debut in Yas Marina, Aron now prepares to repeat his feat in 2024, as he partners up with Hitech Pulse-Eight.

“Obviously, as a rookie it’s a pleasure to be here tonight and to finish in the podium spot. Obviously, Gabriel was a rookie as well and he won the Championship. I really, really enjoyed this season, I think the Formula 3 and Formula 2 Championships are amazing.

"The car was a pleasure to drive, and the team was a pleasure to work with, so I really, really enjoyed this year. It was super fun the whole year and trying to be consistent all the way through and in the end, we went into the last round with still a little bit of hope for the title. So, it was nice to still have the excitement of fighting for the title at the end.

“It’s a pleasure to make the step (to F2) and I had the privilege of already competing in a round at the end of this year with Trident. I want to say a huge thank you to them because it’s not often you get these kinds of opportunities. It will be an important step in my career, it’s the last junior category you have before Formula 1. Hopefully, we can repeat what we did this year with preparation and hard work, fight for the top spots already from the first race of the season.”

René Rosin, PREMA Racing Team Principal – Teams' Champions

PREMA Racing were on a mission to retain their Teams' title and eventually brought the trophy back to their base in Grisignano Di Zocco. Earning five wins, 13 podiums and as their trio all secured spots inside the top six, the Italian team fended off compatriots Trident and broke the 2000-point barrier in the process.

With their 2024 roster all wrapped with Dino Beganovic staying with the team for his sophomore season, fellow returnee Gabriele Minì and rookie Arvid Lindblad, there’s no doubt PREMA will be looking to be in the hunt once again.

“It's been quite a tight battle with Trident, I think it’s maybe the most difficult season, but we achieved the title once again, our fourth in five years in Formula 3. So, together with Formula 1 we’re really proud of it. We’re really looking forward to another great season. We’ve got three young drivers and they’re all really motivated to work together, and we are looking forward to a great result.”

Giacomo Ricci, Trident Team Manager– P2 in Teams’ Championship

What a season it’s been for Trident! Fielding a trio of rookies, all three of their young chargers shined, but none more so than Bortoleto. Whilst they were unable to do the double, the Italian squad brought home their first Drivers’ Championship trophy in F3 and added three victories and 11 podiums to their already impressive record.

“It has been an amazing season, I have to say. I’m extremely happy with what they have been able to achieve once again. We were very close also to the Teams’ title, but there is a big satisfaction finally to get the Drivers’ title. Thanks to Gabriel, he’s done an amazing job this season, so I’m really proud of the job everyone did within the team.”

Sander Dorsman, MP Motorsport Team Principal – P3 in Teams’ Championship

MP Motorsport are riding high after their best season in F3. After two consecutive P4 finishes in the Teams’ Standings, they broke into the top three for the first time. Achieving three wins and seven podiums courtesy of Franco Colapinto, Jonny Edgar and Mari Boya, the Dutch team continue to make their progress count on track.

“The start of the season was a bit tough for us, but I think we bounced back quite nicely. To be honest, looking back at the video, the most difficult moment for us was obviously Red Bull Ring and thank you for paying attention and tribute to Dilano. For sure, this trophy is in his honour and hopefully, we have many more trophies to win in his honour.”