Fraser MasefieldZak O’Sullivan capped of a memorable week in his life by landing the coveted BRDC (British Drivers Racing Club) Young Driver of the Year award at the prestigious Autosport Awards.
It came only two days after the Williams Racing team, partnered by Acronis, announced the 17-year-old Brit as a new academy driver in the same week he confirmed his FIA Formula 3 campaign entry for 2022.
Not a bad way to top off your birthday 🥳
Congratulations to @ZakOSullivan, who has been crowned as the @Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year for 2021! 👏
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 6, 2022
“I was incredibly happy with the nomination and really enjoyed the evaluation experience in October, so to go home with the prize is the icing on the cake,” commented O’Sullivan after collecting an award previously won by Williams Racing Brand Ambassador Jenson Button and fellow former Williams drivers George Russell and David Coulthard.
“It’s a massive achievement for a young driver like myself who is still developing their career. So many past Formula One drivers have won the award, so I’m very proud to be on that list.”
The BEST birthday present 🏆✨ Such an honour to even be considered and to have my name on a list with so many motorsport greats – I can't believe it! Thank you to the judges and everyone involved in putting the award together 🙌🏻 #AutosportAwards pic.twitter.com/XR9MJj4Vc6
— Zak O'Sullivan (@ZakOSullivan) February 6, 2022
Instrumental to O’Sullivan beating a number of impressive candidates was his debut season series victory in the 2021 GB3 season, accumulating a massive 164-point margin over his closest rival thanks to seven wins and 14 podium finishes.
The forthcoming season will be a busy one indeed for O’Sullivan. Alongside his Formula 3 duties, he will assist the Williams team both trackside and at the Grove-based factory where he will conduct simulator work and provide effective feedback for car development.
“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, Sven and the whole team enough for their faith in me. Williams Racing is one of the most successful and respected teams in Formula One 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.”
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