Zak O’Sullivan has switched from Carlin to PREMA for 2023 FIA F3 season.
O’Sullivan graduated into F3 this season with Carlin where he quickly established himself as a rising talent, with reverse pole at the opening Sprint Race and proceeded to eventually claim two podium finishes plus a shock pole position at his home round at Silverstone en route to 11th in drivers’ standings.
His performances ultimately caught the eye of PREMA who handed him a seat in the F3 post-season test, where he impressed as the fastest driver for the Italian team in two of the three days of running to secure a race seat for next season.
Speaking about his move to PREMA for next season, the 17 year-old said that he is “really excited” to make the move, having spent the last three seasons with Carlin – during which he won the 2021 GB3 title which earned him a place in Williams F1 Driver Academy.
O’Sullivan nevertheless is excited about driving for the Italian team next season as he commented: “It will be a new environment for me, but PREMA’s history says all we need to know, so hopefully, we can have a good year together.
“The first impressions in testing were good, and the pace was pretty strong. I was still learning the car as there are a few differences, getting to know all the team and the engineers, and learning some Italian as well!”
PREMA Team Principal, Rene Rosin added that the team “are particularly looking forward” to welcoming O’Sullivan to the team, having been “impressed” with his rookie campaign in F3 and career so far.
Rosin also iterated that the Cheltenham-born driver will bring valuable “experience” alongside rookie drivers, Paul Aron and Dino Beganovic who will also drive for the team in F3 next season.
Acknowledging Williams’ Driver Academy, Rosin added: “We are equally delighted to work with the Williams Driver Academy, and we are grateful for the trust they have put into us.”
Williams Sporting Director, Sven Smeets described O’Sullivan as already “an integral part” of the Academy and demonstrated his qualities across his rookie F3 season with Carlin, which has assured Williams that he can “adapt to his new surroundings quickly” next season and fight for the title.
Leave a Reply