Zak O’Sullivan will join the BRDC British F3 Championship for 2021, graduating to the series with Carlin, the same team with which he drove to second place in the 2020 F4 British Championship.

The young Brit steps up to British F3 following a hugely impressive first season in single-seater racing last year, winning more races than any other driver in British F4. O’Sullivan topped the podium on nine occasions, standing on the podium 18 times in total, just missing out on the title in the final race of the year.

O’Sullivan has quickly regrouped since the end of the competitive season, taking part in a winter test programme in the Tatuus British F3 car in preparation for his debut in the championship next Easter.

O’Sullivan is the first 2021 driver confirmed by the successful Carlin team, with which Kaylen Frederick won the 2020 British F3 crown.

O’Sullivan said: “My long-term goal is to reach Formula One and after a successful first season together, I’m delighted to be staying with Carlin as I take my next step towards that aim. I’ve already had three tests in the car and have really enjoyed it every time. It’s a sizeable step up from the F4 car and I always enjoy jumping into something quicker.

“On the face of it, the calendar is quite similar to last year but we get to run on the GP versions of circuits and we also go to Spa, which will be really cool. I’m really looking forward to that – I’ve driven it a lot on sims but never raced on it in real life. Last year went really well with Carlin and I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

Trevor Carlin added, “We are thrilled to keep Zak in the Carlin family and take him to the British Formula Three Championship where he will doubtless hit the ground running. He’s already been impressive in winter testing and has used everything he’s learnt in his brilliant debut season in 2020 and is applying that knowledge in the more powerful British F3 car.  I can’t wait to see what he can achieve in 2021."