A sold-out crowd packed into an exclusive event to hear from Gloucestershire’s Formula One star-in-waiting Zak O’Sullivan and his ambitions to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
The 19-year-old, from Withington, near Cheltenham, was interviewed by F1 TV journalist and fellow Cheltenham resident Laura Winter at Dunkertons Cider Shop, in Charlton Kings, on Monday.
As part of ‘Strive to Survive – The Road to F1’, Zak talked Laura through his earliest steps in motorsport, which began aged eight with him driving a kart bought by his parents around a derelict tennis court at his home.
The crowd heard about his steps through karting and his journey through the ranks, including his GB3 Championship title in 2021, his first Formula One test with Aston Martin the same year and his full F1 debut with the iconic Williams team in Abu Dhabi last season, where he drove Alex Albon’s car in first free practice.
Zak, who is entering his third season as part of Williams’ driver academy, is racing in Formula 2 in 2024 for ART Grand Prix, the famed junior team which gave the likes of Lewis Hamilton their big break in the sport.
Aside from a knowledgeable crowd of fans, Zak welcomed his many sponsors from across the region, including Quantum Switch, Sytner, Infrastar, Grapevine, Salon Events, Way-Better Payroll, Partners& and Winkworth. All proceeds from the night will go towards funding his season in Formula 2.
Zak said: “Thanks to everyone who came along to the event – it was fantastic meeting so many people who are interested in my career and have offered me their invaluable support.
“Racing in Formula 2 is a huge challenge on many levels, not least the funding we have to raise – so every person and business who has come forward to help is making a huge difference.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on track next month and repaying the support of everyone who came out to support me.”
Zak has also launched the 500:500 Business Club and is inviting any other local companies who want to support him on the way to Formula One to come forward.
The 500:500 club costs £500 per business or individual, for which they will have their business featured on Zak’s website, private members mailing list and social media platforms.
