Williams junior O’Sullivan handed FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi

©zak-osullivan/X

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Williams Racing Academy member Zak O’Sullivan will take part in the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of this month.

The 18-year-old British charger, a past winner of the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award who finished second this season in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, will take over Alex Albon’s FW45 in FP1 at Yas Marina.

O’Sullivan’s outing will fulfill Williams’ second and final mandated rookie driver session for 2023.

O’Sullivan, who will step up to F2 in 2024 with ART Grand Prix, will also run in F1’s end-of-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi that is scheduled in the week after Grand Prix racing’s season finale, and he will be joined by fellow Williams junior Franco Colapinto.

The young driver from Argentina – who will make his F2 debut in the series’ final round at Yas Marina - will enjoy in Abu Dhabi his first outing at the wheel of an F1 car.

Read also: McLaren adds female racer Bustamante to young driver programme

“I’m really excited to participate in FP1 at Abu Dhabi,” commented 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.”

©Williams

Colapinto says his F1 baptism of fire at Yas Marina will be the realization of a childhood dream

“I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was a kid and have been working really hard for this,” said the 20-year-old. “To have this chance at the official young driver test is a real honour.

“Thank you to the team for entrusting me with the FW45. Being part of the Academy this year has opened my eyes in so many different areas and I feel ready to make this step. I can’t wait.”

Sven Smeets, Williams Racing sporting director, said: “Both Zak and Franco 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.”

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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.