Williams sporting director Sven Smeets has actually hinted financing had actually not been exclusively behind Zak O'Sullivan's ART departure in Formula 2, after he was changed by fellow Williams junior Luke Browning.
O'Sullivan revealed following the Monza occasion that he would not be finishing his novice project, mentioning financing problems as the factor to be stepping away.
Changing him at ART was Browning, who completed third in F3 this term and had actually remained in the champion mix heading into the last race.
Speaking solely to Motorsport.com, Smeets hinted that financing had actually not been entirely to blame for two-time race winner O'Sullivan's abrupt ART departure.
“Between Zak and ART, that's an individual problem,” he stated. “We have absolutely nothing to do with that.
“I can verify, however, that Zak is still in the Academy, so Zak has actually not left the Academy.
“We now need to see, in the next couple of months, what we will do together. The ball will likewise remain in the court of Zak's management a bit. For the rest, I can't truly elaborate on that and it's more of a concern to them, what occurred with ART.”
Zak O'Sullivan, ART Grand Prix
Image by: Formula Motorsport Ltd
Continued whether Williams might have supplied more help to fill O'Sullivan's budget plan deficiency, Smeets included: “That's constantly a tough concern. There are arrangements in location, and naturally, I can not elaborate on that.
“Between them and ART something occurred, which was the conclusion ART drew from that. They ultimately stated: we can not continue with each other.
“But, as I stated, Zak is still in the Williams household. We will continue with each other and till completion of the year, he is with us.”
Browning set for Hitech 2025 F2 seat
O'Sullivan's exit came at the ideal minute for Browning, who signed up with fellow F3 chauffeurs Gabriele Mini and Christian Mansell in making his F2 launching on the Baku streets, a possibility that came thanks to his Williams links.
“I believe ART touched with a number of individuals,” stated Smeets. “But they stated: ‘look, this year the concept was to do this with Williams too', in part. They then provided the chance to Luke.”
The relocate to ART indicated Browning changed far from Hitech, the group with which the Briton has actually raced for over the previous 3 years.
Luke Browning, Hitech Pulse-Eight, 1st position, on the podium
Image by: Mark Sutton/ Motorsport Images
According to Smeets, nevertheless, this union will be re-established in 2025, when Browning will make the full-time action up to F2 with Hitech.
“For him, naturally, it's excellent to get ready for next year since he's going to stick with Hitech for F2,” stated Smeets.
“There are 3 circuits showing up he does not understand from F3. I stated to him: ‘The more kilometres you can do,
