Aussie F2® racer Williams 'cannot wait' for surprise home hit-out

Australian Formula 2® racer Calan Williams admits the news of the inclusion of F2® and F3® on the undercard of next year's Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix took him by surprise and says Australian motorsport fans are in for a treat with the two F1® feeder series' competing at Albert Park for the first time in 2023.

As part of this month's contract extension to keep F1® in Melbourne until 2035, F2® and F3® will make their debuts in Australia next year. Perth-born Williams, 21, is one of two Australians in the series along with Jack Doohan, while compatriot and Alpine F1® reserve driver Oscar Piastri is the defending F2® champion after winning the F3® crown in 2020.

Speaking to the In the Fast Lane podcast, Williams says he's relishing an unexpected chance to pursue his ambitions on the international stage in his own backyard.

"It was certainly something that I didn't expect, but it's something I cannot wait for," Williams told the Australian Grand Prix Corporation's official podcast.

"It definitely took me by surprise … it's going to be such a great opportunity for everyone. When you're in the feeder categories from Australia, you never expect to actually race at home. It's so far away from where they normally race that you think it's not going to happen. It's going to be such a great event, and the atmosphere is going to be incredible."

Williams is racing for the Trident F2® team this season, his debut campaign in the series after two seasons in Formula 3®. One of six rookies on the F2® grid, Williams finished fourth in just his third race in the series in Saudi Arabia in March, and has his sights set on a strong end to the season after five of the opening six rounds were held at circuits he'd never previously raced on.

"The cars are so different, the F2 car has more (aerodynamics) and more power, the turbo changes a bit the driving style, but the biggest differences come from the 18-inch rims we use in Formula 2 and the extra weight of the car," he said of the adjustments he's had to make in 2022.

"To drive fast in this car, the driving style is completely different to Formula 3 … you need to be more patient with it.

"To be in the top half of the field at the end of the championship would be great … now that we're coming on to the more familiar part of the calendar, it's possible. I still have a lot to learn, but all the opportunities are there for me to continue to grow, and that's very exciting."

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