The Rising Costs of Motorsport: Zak O'Sullivan's Journey and Future Prospects
Zak O'Sullivan discusses the escalating costs of motorsport, his transition to Japan's Super Formula, and his continued ambition to reach Formula 1.
Racing driver Zak O'Sullivan highlights the increasing financial barriers young drivers face in motorsport. Despite his successes in Formula 2, including victories at Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps, O'Sullivan was forced to exit the 2024 season early due to funding issues. He emphasizes that while some measures exist to assist with funding, the primary burden often falls on family resources. O'Sullivan, who has been part of Williams' academy and drove an FW45 F1 car during a practice session in Abu Dhabi, stresses that significant changes from governing bodies are necessary to make the sport more accessible.
Financial Challenges in Motorsport
O'Sullivan notes that the cost of racing continues to rise each year, making it increasingly difficult for young talents to progress. 'Every year I've done racing, even if you do the same championship twice, the next year it ends up being more expensive because people are just charging more and more,' he explains. This financial strain is not unique to O'Sullivan, as many young drivers face similar challenges in their pursuit of a motorsport career.
Transition to Super Formula
In 2025, O'Sullivan will compete in Japan's Super Formula series with the Toyota-backed Kondo Racing team. Describing the series as the 'closest' to F1, he is optimistic about this new chapter in his career. 'For them, it's their F1 in Japan - it's very, very popular with the fans, purely Japanese-based,' O'Sullivan said. Despite the cultural shift and the need to improve his Japanese communication skills, he is eager to embrace the challenge and make the most of this opportunity.
Continuing the Push for Formula 1
Despite the hurdles, O'Sullivan remains determined to reach Formula 1. 'Obviously, I'm still pushing for that,' he affirms. His experience in Japan's Super Formula could open new doors and provide a platform to showcase his talent on a global stage. As he prepares for the 12-race series, O'Sullivan is focused on delivering strong performances and keeping his options open for future opportunities in F1.
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