22 Nov 2023
FPZERO Simulators Ambassador Zak O’Sullivan will hit a significant career milestone with his first official F1 appearance at the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he will take part in Free Practice One (FP1) driving this year’s Williams FW45.
This is not Zak’s first taste of F1 machinery, having previously tested the Aston Martin AMR21 at Silverstone last year; his reward for winning the accolade of BRDC Young Driver of the Year. However, the Abu Dhabi outing will mark his debut in a live F1 session and a current car, giving him an opportunity to sample the new-from-2022 ground effect aerodynamics.
“I’m really excited to participate in FP1 at Abu Dhabi. 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,” commented Zak.
Zak will also take part in this year’s end-of-season Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi, sharing driving duties across the course of the day with fellow Williams Racing Academy driver Franco Colapinto.
As is fitting for an FPZERO Simulators Ambassador, Zak will be getting seat time in his personal simulator in addition to using the Williams Racing DiL at the team’s Grove, Oxfordshire factory. This will prove vital in getting him up to speed on a circuit he has not previously raced at. “I use simulators almost every day in my preparation, and FPZERO provides a perfect tool for me to develop for my race weekends,” explains Zak, continuing. “I have used simulators for many years and have come to understand the value they bring to both my racecraft and ability. I am very pleased to have FPZERO onboard for 2023 and beyond.”
Zak has had an astoundingly successful season in Formula 3, in which he tied the all-time record for most wins in the championship with Colapinto, snatching four victories each. Zak’s tally included two feature race wins, two sprint wins and a further podium finish, enough to secure him runner up spot in the fiercely competitive championship.
For 2024 Zak is making the step to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix, driving the all-new Dallara F2 2024. “I am delighted to join forces with ART Grand Prix for the 2024 FIA Formula 2 season. The team has clearly demonstrated it has all the attributes to win, so I cannot wait to get started. ART have already made me feel very welcome. 2024 is set to be an exciting year and I feel ready for the challenge.”
Zak’s relationship with FPZERO continues into 2024, with Pro II Simulator and Pro-Hydro Pedal Set hardware forming a critical part of his race preparation both at home and at Kokoro Performance.
