Gloucestershire businesses have a unique opportunity to get behind one of British motorsport's most promising young stars, as teenage driver Zak O'Sullivan launches an exclusive business club to fund his dream of reaching Formula One.
Zak, who was born and raised in Withington near Cheltenham, is stepping up to Formula 2 this year, after an impressive 2023 Formula 3 season — meaning he's just one rung below the pinnacle F1 in the motorsport ladder.
However, confronted with 'eye-watering' costs to compete, he's launched an exciting new sponsorship drive to get local businesses involved in his journey to the top.
The 500:500 Business Club invites Gloucestershire businesses to become members for £500, giving them access to Zak's growing platform for networking and promotional opportunities — and the chance to play a part in helping the 18-year-old driver to progress his career.
Part of the Williams F1 team's driver academy, Zak finished as vice-champion in F3 and was chosen to drive Alex Albon’s car in the first practice session at the F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Following in the footsteps of motorsport legends, his appearance marked the first time an F3 driver had taken part in an F1 practice session since George Russell in 2017. After this astounding success, he's due to make his Formula 2 debut with ART Grand Prix — the same junior team that took Lewis Hamilton to Formula 2's forerunner, the GP2 title, in 2006.
Hoping to secure sponsorship from 500 Gloucestershire businesses to fund his dreams of competing at the next level, Zak said: 'The business club was my godfather Mark’s idea and was his way of helping me progress my career. It’s going to play a huge part in easing the financial pressures which moving to F2 inevitably brings.
'We are doing all we can to make it happen and we are so close. The support of friends, family and sponsors has all been wonderful and any extra support we can get now will make a massive difference.
'If there are any Gloucestershire businesses who want to be a part of my journey towards Formula One, I would love to hear from you.'
Partners in the 500:500 Business Club receive a promotional package, including having their business featured on Zak's website, private members' mailing list and social media platforms — where he's amassed over 33,000 followers across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Not only this, but they'll also be entered into a prize draw to win two BRDC VIP hospitality passes to the 2024 F1 British Grand Prix and the 2024 Moto GP British Grand Prix, as Zak’s guests; as well as being invited to an exclusive networking event at the Williams Racing Experience Centre in Oxfordshire, which houses the team’s collection of Grand Prix racecars.
Membership of the 500:500 Business Club costs £500 per business or individual.
Any businesses interested in supporting Zak can find out more about joining the 500:500 Business Club by emailing ali@zakosullivan.com.
