Williams sign British teenager Ollie Gray to Driver Academy for 2022

Williams have signed Ollie Gray – who will compete for Carlin in the 2022 British F4 Championship – to their new-look Driver Academy.

Gray will work across various departments at the team’s Grove headquarters as he develops his talents. The British racer joins recent signings F2 racer Logan Sargeant and GB3 champion Zak O’Sullivan.

READ MORE: American racer Logan Sargeant joins Williams’ Driver Academy

Last year, Gray took two wins and two pole positions in his debut British F4 season before competing in the final two rounds of the Italian F4 Championship. The teenager has also shown his talent in karts, having taken multiple British Kart Championship and Motorsport UK titles.

“Today is a special day in my career as I can officially say I am part of Williams,” he said. “Williams is a team with so much history and success in Formula 1 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 [Smeets], Jost [Capito, CEO and Team Principal] and the team at Williams Racing for their belief in me.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “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.

READ MORE: Albon impressed by 'great foundation’ set by Williams ahead of Bahrain test

“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.”

The Williams FW44 will be out turning laps of Bahrain for the Official Pre-Season Test, which begins on Thursday. Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi will share duties over the three days.

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Coverage of the Official Pre-Season Test is also available live in selected territories via your F1 broadcaster.