 has topped off a memorable few days by picking up the Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award for 2021.

On Friday it was confirmed that Zak had joined our Driver Academy here at Grove and tonight, on his 17th birthday, he has now claimed this prestigious accolade.

The youngster earned his initial nomination thanks to a stellar performance in his debut GB3 season, which saw him coast to the title with a 164-point margin from his nearest challenger.

After impressing at the two-day test at Silverstone, along with in fitness assessments and in the simulator prior to the track action, the panel decided that Zak would join the acclaimed list of previous winners.

Shortly after being presented with his trophy, we caught up with the understandably thrilled racer.

“I was happy enough with the nomination so to win is pretty awesome,” Zak said.

“I really enjoyed the experience back in October but to go home with the prize is the icing on the cake.

“It’s massive for a young driver like myself who is still developing their career; so many past Formula One drivers have won the award. It's surreal and I’m so proud to be on that list.

“I’ve had a really good 12 months. From February last year when I had just started testing for GB3, before having a really good season, then joining Williams and now this award tops it off. I can’t wait for what lies ahead!”

Previous winners of the award include Williams luminaries George Russell and David Coulthard plus current Brand Ambassador Jenson Button, so Zak finds himself amongst some pretty esteemed Williams company.

It's a great way to kick off the year for the young man from Cheltenham who is busy preparing for his debut season in FIA Formula 3 with Carlin.

Zak began karting at the age of nine. Two years later, in 2016, Zak claimed the rookie championship in British Super One and won the British GP Kartmasters Championship, before moving into European karting in 2017. A season in the CIK European OKJ Championship and the WSK European Championship resulted in 10th and 9th places respectively. The British driver demonstrated his progress the following season, bettering his 2017 effort to place 6th overall in the WSK European Championship.

In 2019, Zak made a successful debut in the Ginetta Junior Championship, claiming three wins to become Rookie Champion and placing second overall. The following year, Zak’s maiden season in single seaters saw him finish as vice-champion in the 2020 F4 British Championship. His impressive campaign saw him claim nine wins and 19 podiums, missing out on the title by only four points.

In 2021, Zak entered the GB3 Championship, and an extraordinary debut season saw him crowned Champion, having secured six wins and 13 podium finishes. With 18 top ten finishes to his name, Zak’s notable consistency throughout the season saw him win by an impressive margin of 164 points over his nearest championship rival.

In 2021, Zak was selected as a finalist for the renowned Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award (AMABA), which he was later crowned the winner of for 2021.

In 2022, Zak completed his first rookie season in the FIA F3 Championship with Carlin, impressing with several strong performances, including pole position and a podium in front of home crowds at the British GP. In the same year, Zak was announced as a Williams Racing Academy Driver, joining Williams ahead of the new season.

In 2023, Zak joined PREMA Racing for the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship. He had a stellar year, achieving 4 wins, 1 pole, and 5 podiums. Closing the season as runner-up, Zak secured the most race wins of any driver in the championship.

Zak graduates to FIA Formula 2 for the 2024 season, joining the reigning team champions ART Grand Prix. He will continue within the Williams Racing Driver Academy, further developing his skills and preparing for the next step in his motorsport career.

Zak O'Sullivan crowned Young Driver of the Year at Autosport Awards

Our rising star celebrates his successful 2021 season

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