Williams has announced the signing of Zak O’Sullivan to the team’s Driver Academy.
O’Sullivan emerged victorious in the 2021 GB3 Championship, taking seven wins and 14 podiums en route to the title.
The 16-year-old will take part in the upcoming FIA Formula 3 Championship, competing with Carlin Racing.
“I’m honoured to have been selected as a Williams Racing Academy Driver,” O’Sullivan said.
“This is an incredible opportunity and I can’t thank Jost, Sven and the whole team enough for their faith in me.
“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.”
As part of his duties, Williams says O’Sullivan will be integrated into the team “both trackside and at the factory at Grove, where he will conduct simulator work and provide effective feedback for car development”.
Prior to his success in last year’s GB3 Championship, O’Sullivan had a strong campaign in the 2020 F4 Championship, ending the year second in the standings.
Sven Smeets, Williams Racing Sporting Director, added: “We are all very pleased to welcome Zak to the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
“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.”