Atlassian Williams Sim Racing Bid Farewell to Ismael Fahssi

Atlassian Williams Sim Racing and Formula 1 Sim Racing driver Ismael Fahssi have parted ways after two successful years together.

The 18-year-old Spanish driver started his Formula 1 Sim Racing career with the team. Joining in 2023, Isma debuted at Round 1 of the 2023/2024 Formula 1 Sim Racing World Championship, where he scored points first time out. Isma then continued his fine form in the following races, leading the team to our second-highest total points finish at the time.

From there, Isma worked with the team to develop from strength to strength, achieving Williams’ first-ever win in the Formula 1 Sim Racing World Championship at Round 1 of the 2025 season.

Supported by Álvaro Carretón and Rubén Pedreño, Isma secured 135 of the team’s 153 total points in our 2025 campaign, bringing home a record P4 finish in the Teams’ Championship, and taking P2 in the Drivers’ Championship himself.

"Ismael has been an integral part of Atlassian Williams Sim Racing since he joined us as a development driver in early 2023, and we’ve been incredibly proud to support his journey and development over the past seasons,” Team Manager Jake Hammond shared.

“His talent, work ethic, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on our team, highlighted by historic victories and standout performances on the biggest stage - contributing to our highest F1 Sim Racing Teams' Championship finish & highest Drivers' Championship finish.

“While we’re sad to see him go, we’re excited to watch the next chapter of his career unfold and wish him nothing but success moving forward.

“Ismael has left a lasting impression on every one of us here, and he will always be part of the Williams family. Gracias, Isma!"

Ismael told us: “Never in my life did I think that I would be here now. Since I joined Williams, my life has been completely filled with happiness.

“I achieved what little Isma always wanted, which was to be part of F1. Considering the circumstances throughout my life, it is really hard to not get emotional. I remember getting the confirmation of being the 3rd driver for the 23/24 season, and the first thing I did was to cry, I couldn’t hold the emotions of making that dream come true, couldn’t believe that all those dreams were going to become a reality.

“I remember the first day at Grove, the first thing I did was to go down to the museum. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing, seeing all those cars meant everything for me and made me realise that I finally felt like I belonged within F1.

“I have always felt like I was part of the family since day one, and loved every single teammate and member of the team like if they were my brothers.

“I will never forget these two years in Williams, they hold a special part in my heart, and they gave me the chance to be who I am now - I will always be grateful to the team for that.

“I wish you all the very best, because you deserve it. We made history together in F1 Sim Racing, now it’s time for them to do it without me. See you on track, hermanos.”

The team would like to wish Isma all the best for the future, and we look forward to battling him on track again in his next venture. Forever our first-ever F1 Sim Racing winner.