Carlin sign new Williams F1 junior O’Sullivan for 2022

2021 GB3 Champion Zak O’Sullivan will graduate to Formula 3 with Carlin for 2022, while it has also been announced that he has joined the Williams Driver Academy.

The British racer clinched the GB3 title with Carlin last season, winning seven times and taking 14 podiums from 24 races.

His Championship success has seen him selected as a finalist for the 2021 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, with the winner being announced this Sunday, February 6 at the Autosport Awards in London.

The British driver is one of four finalists, alongside fellow F3 racers Jonny Edgar and Ollie Bearman, and 2021 Euroformula Open runner-up Louis Foster.

O’Sullivan ran F3 machinery for the first time at the end of season test in Valencia with Carlin, where he made the top 10 on the afternoon of Day 3.

“I’m so pleased to be continuing my strong relationship with Carlin and stepping up to FIA F3 with them this season,” said O’Sullivan. “This will be my third year working with the team and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead. Thank you as always to Trevor and the team for their ongoing support in my career.”

READ MORE: Leclerc working to become ‘more consistent’ as he targets the title in 2022

Since making his debut in cars in the 2019, O’Sullivan has never ended a season lower than second in the overall standings, finishing as vice-champion in the 2019 Ginetta Junior Championship and in the 2020 British Formula 4 Championship, before winning GB3 in 2021.

Williams have moved to sign the British talent, where he will take part in simulator work and car development, as well as benefitting from the team’s vast resources and expertise as he continues his climb up the motorsport ladder.

Carlin Team Principal Trevor Carlin added: “It’s clear that Williams have recognised the same talent and potential in Zak that we have, and we’re delighted that he has chosen to stay with the team for the move up to Formula 3.

“We’ve enjoyed two very successful seasons together, so we know exactly how much effort and dedication Zak puts into everything he does. I know that he’s going to be using that same approach this year and we’ll be fighting hard so that together we can deliver.”

Image: Jakob Ebrey