Former Williams driver set for Formula E debut

Former Williams Academy driver Zak O'Sullivan has been confirmed as Envision's entry for next month's Formula E rookie practice session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

The 40-minute session for drivers yet to race in the all-electric series will take place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, ahead of first practice for the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix. 

For O'Sullivan, the test will make his first experience driving FE machinery. This year, the Briton is competing for Kondo Racing in Super Formula over in Japan, following a difficult end to 2024. 

Due to financial difficulties, O'Sullivan was forced to abandon the final six races of the Formula 2 season and parted ways with Williams. 

He does have some F1 experience, having tested for Williams in the 2023 post-season test in Abu Dhabi. 

The chance to drive an FE car comes at a good time for the 19-year-old, who is eager for a strong year. 

"I’m very excited to be going to Jeddah to test a Formula E car for the first time," O’Sullivan said. "It is going to be a new challenge for me. 

"The session itself will provide a good opportunity for me to learn the car and I will also be making sure I spend as much time with the team as possible across the race week, so I absorb as much as I can."

Despite his difficulties in 2024, O'Sullivan is a decorated young talent, who picked up two F2 race wins last year in what was his debut season. 

He is a former F3 vice-champion, and is a driver who could potentially find himself in FE in the future. On top of completing the session for Envision, he has also become a simulator driver for the outfit. 

"We are thrilled to have Zak joining the team and drive in the first rookie session of the year," said Envision team boss Sylvain Filippi.

"We have been very impressed with his results to date and look forward to watching how he
adapts to Formula E and integrates within our team."