Williams add British F4 race-winner Gray to F1 driver academy
The 16-year-old has been signed to Williams’ F1 programme after an impressive first season in British F4, in which he claimed two wins and two pole positions on his way to finishing third in the rookie cup and seventh in the overall 2021 championship.
Gray is the third driver to join the Grove-based outfit’s junior line-up since the start of 2021, following Formula 2 racer Logan Sargeant, 21, and GB3 champion Zak O’Sullivan, 17.
Williams confirmed Gray will remain in the British F4 championship for 2022, having made the switch from Fortec Motorsport to Carlin.
“Today is a special day in my career as I can officially say I am part of Williams,” said Gray.
“Williams is a team with so much history and success in Formula One and I hope to one day be able to add to that.
“As I begin working with the team, my immediate goals are to develop as a driver both on and off the track, as well as focus on my 2022 season; I can’t wait to get started.
“There are lots of people who have played a role in my motorsport career so far and I would like to thank everyone, particularly Sven, Jost and the team at Williams Racing for their belief in me.”
Gray also contested the final six races of the Italian F4 championship at the end of 2021, taking a best result of 12th at the final round at Monza.
Williams now has a total of six drivers signed up to its F1 academy, which also includes two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, reserve driver Jack Aitken and and test driver Roy Nissany.
Williams Racing sporting director Sven Smeets said: “We are incredibly pleased to welcome Oliver to the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He showed great talent during his karting career and the team was impressed with his debut year in single seaters.
"We are all looking forward to working with Oliver to best support his progression through the junior motorsport ladder, and I’m confident that he will prove a great asset to our team.”
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