A talented young racing driver is urging Gloucestershire businesses to support his ambition of reaching Formula One as the financial demands of competing in F2 threaten to derail his dream.
Zak O’Sullivan, from Withington, near Cheltenham, has already shown his Formula 2 prowess, storming to victory on the famous streets of Monte Carlo in May to win the Monaco feature race, and in the process underline his rare racing talent.
Now, the Williams Racing junior is urging businesses or individuals in the region who might be able to help support him with the ‘eye-watering’ costs involved in Formula 2 to step forward, so he isn’t forced to abandon his dream.
Nineteen-year-old Zak, whose stellar career has already seen him crowned British F3 Champion and named Aston Martin BRDC young driver of the year in 2021, is determined in his pursuit of F1 but admits the financial burden is proving a major hurdle.
He said: “I know I can get results and I have already shown what I can achieve but finding sponsorship is proving to be really difficult.
“Vast sums of money are involved in competing and we are trying everything for me to continue in F2 and on the path to Formula One.
“It’s just incredibly hard. My parents and I are working relentlessly to attract funding but we really need more support from local businesses.
“If anyone out there wants to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Having come so far and shown what I can achieve in the sport, I’m desperate to continue.”
Zak’s mum Ali added: “This is an eye-wateringly expensive sport to be involved with and there is no safety net.
“Years of hard work and raw talent have brought us to this point and it is heartbreaking to think Zak’s future could be decided due to circumstances off the track, rather than his achievements on it.
“Zak has been doing this since he was seven years old and has already shown he has the skill to win in F2 after his performance in Monaco.
“We don’t want to throw in the towel this far down the line and are pulling out all the stops to try to ensure Zak can continue competing in F2 this season and keep his Formula One dream alive.
“I would urge any local businesses who can help to please get in touch – we are particularly interested in speaking to people who can move swiftly on the sponsorship front.”