Up-and-coming race car driver, Zak O'Sullivan from Gloucestershire, is proving he's got what it takes to climb the motorsports ladder, as he roared to victory in his maiden Formula 2 race in Monaco.
The 19-year-old Williams Racing junior from Withington, near Cheltenham, won an action-packed Feature Race on the streets of Monte Carlo — the so-called 'jewel in the crown' of motorsport — on Sunday 26 May 2024, sealing his first win since his promotion to Formula 2.
It was a real comeback kid moment too, as Zak started the race in 15th place after a disappointing qualifying session.
Turning things around, the nail-bitingly tense race saw Zak and his ART Grand Prix team execute their strategy to a tee, with the Gloucestershire teenager gradually advancing through the order as the leading runners pitted to cover each other's stops.
A late-race collision opened his route to victory, bringing out the virtual safety car with two laps to go — allowing him to pit, change tyres and rejoin still in the lead.
Once the racing resumed, he held off competition from Isack Hadjar on the last lap to snatch the flag.
Zak commented: 'I can’t quite believe it — this really wasn’t on the cards after qualifying! It means a huge amount to me and the team and I really hope this will be the start of a stronger set of results for us.
'To win in Monaco in this way is a huge reward for everyone. The start of the season hasn’t been easy and hopefully this shows our luck has turned. Sometimes when you roll the dice, it pays off!'
Earlier this year, Zak reached out to Gloucestershire businesses for their support in funding his promotion to F2, launching his exclusive 500:500 Business Club as part of a unique sponsorship drive.
And with his maiden F2 victory secured, he's one step closer to achieving his dream of reaching Formula One.
