P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Williams protege Zak O’Sullivan’s abrupt ejection from the road to Formula 1 got a lot of attention last year. As he sets about rebuilding his career in a different part of motorsport, he explains the pitfalls rising stars now face
The road to Formula 1 is known to be expensive and challenging, as Zak O’Sullivan experienced even with his successful track record. Despite notable achievements in various championships and F1 backing, financial constraints forced him to exit the 2024 F2 season early.Still, O’Sullivan’s racing journey continues as he recently secured a seat in the 2025 Super Formula. His struggles highlight the financial burdens faced by young drivers in the single-seater ladder, where teams often struggle to cover costs, passing them onto the drivers. This issue was echoed by F1 drivers like Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly, who expressed concern over the escalating financial demands in motorsport, including karting costs starting at €200,000-€250,000 per season. Gasly emphasized the growing financial pressures on aspiring drivers, with F2 budgets surpassing $2 million and no guarantee of a sustainable career.
