Williams adds GB3 champ O'Sullivan to F1 driver academy

Williams has added to its F1 driver academy reigning GB3 champion Zak O'Sullivan and current F3 charger Zak O'Sullivan.

The 16-year-old British-Irish racer who conquered seven wins in last year's GB3 Championship - the former British F3 championship – will step up this season to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Carlin.

But with the majority of F3's races scheduled on Formula 1's support bill this year, O'Sullivan will spend part of his race weekends embedded with the Williams outfit.

"I’m honoured to have been selected as a Williams Racing Academy Driver," said O’Sullivan.

"This is an incredible opportunity and I can't thank Jost [Capito], Sven [Smeets] and the whole team enough for their faith in me.

©Twitter/JakobEbrey

"Williams Racing is one of the most successful and respected teams in Formula 1 and have nurtured some of the greatest talents in the sport.

"I’m also so pleased to be continuing my relationship with Carlin and stepping up to FIA F3 with them this season.

"This will be my third year working with the team and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Read also: Williams junior Sargeant says F1 'a massive step up'

O'Sullivan will share his F1 learning experience with fellow Williams F1 driver academy members Jamie Chadwick and Logan Sargeant.

"We are all very pleased to welcome Zak to the Williams Racing Driver Academy," said Sven Smeets, Williams’ sporting director.

"His incredibly successful GB3 championship campaign speaks to his natural talent, and the team can attest to his capability, drive and professionalism having seen him drive the simulator in Grove.

"I’m very much looking forward to seeing him take on FIA Formula 3 next year; I know he’ll prove a formidable competitor.

"We’re now looking forward to working alongside Zak to support his development and progression, a role that we’re proud to play in a talented young driver’s career."

As one of four finalists for this year's Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award, O'Sullivan is in contention for the prestigious award previously won by the likes of Lando Norris, George Russell and Jenson Button.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.