Who is Oliver Turvey?

Get to know our new Test and Development Driver a little bit better and hear his first thoughts

Published

22 JAN 2025

Est. reading time

2 min

Oliver Turvey has likely completed more Formula 1 laps than most World Champions, yet his contributions have often taken place quietly behind the scenes.

The Cumbrian native has joined Williams Racing as a Test and Development Driver, bringing with him a CV that blends experience, technical expertise and a passion for racing that’s shaped a 15-year career.

With a wealth of knowledge from Formula 1, Formula E and sportscars under his belt, what’s the story behind the racer who’ll play a pivotal role at Grove in developing current and future Williams machines?

Oliver’s Journey

Born on April 1, 1987, Oliver’s journey to motorsport success began at an early age. A standout talent in karting, he clinched titles like the British Junior Rotax Kart Championship and British Junior Yamaha Kart Championship before making his way through the ranks of Formula BMW, Formula 3, and GP2.

Along the way, he racked up numerous wins, podiums, and poles, earning him a significant reputation.

His big break came in 2009 when he joined McLaren as a Test Driver. For the next 15 years, Oliver became an integral part of the Woking-based outfit, working closely with engineers to help develop the car in the simulator.

His work didn’t just stop at Formula 1 – Oliver also excelled in sportscar racing, including a memorable LMP2 class win at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours in 2014.

In Formula E, Oliver spent eight seasons with the NIO team, with his best finish coming at Mexico City in 2018 when he crossed the line in P2.

It’s this versatility, combined with his technical background as a Cambridge engineering graduate, that will make him such a valuable asset at Grove.

Getting that all-important first day selfie.

At Williams Racing, Oliver’s role will focus on developing the team’s cutting-edge new driver-in-loop simulator, which will become operational later this year. He’ll work closely with race drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, a duo Oliver himself calls “two of the best in Formula 1.”

For Oliver, joining Williams Racing is a full-circle moment. Inspired as a child by watching Damon Hill’s championship-winning season in 1996, he now has the chance to help this legendary team climb back up the grid.