East Sussex College Students Compete at Williams F1 Racing League Finals

Last week, students from East Sussex College took part in the Williams Student Racing League Finals, held at the Williams headquarters in Oxfordshire.

Team ESC was represented by Jacob Hartley-Blake, Olivia Marriott, and Finals entrant Zeedn Powell, following months of competitive racing to reach Finals Day. Across the season, competitors progressed through Hot Laps, Heats, and Finals stages, with only the top 40 drivers earning a place at the final event, all completed using a professional racing rig.

Supporting the team on the day was ESC volunteer coach Jayden Brunsdon, who competed in last year’s Williams F1 Racing League and brought valuable experience to the group - having reached the finals himself for the past two years, including one overall win.

Finals Day began with a high-pressure one-shot qualifying session to determine the line-up for the final races. Zeedn successfully secured a place in the Grand Final, although not without drama. In the initial Semi-Final races, only the top 10 drivers from each heat would progress. Zeedn crossed the line in 10th place, but a technical glitch caused his car to be “ghosted”, allowing another competitor to pass through and take the position.

Following a formal appeal from East Sussex College, the decision was reviewed and overturned after a tense wait, reinstating Zeedn’s rightful place in the Grand Final.

Competing against some of the best student sim racers in the country, Zeedn went on to finish a commendable 17th overall in the Grand Final. This result is particularly notable given it was his first experience racing in a professional environment, using the specialist Williams simulator setup.

Alongside the competition, students were also given the opportunity to visit the Williams Heritage Museum, adding to what was a memorable day for all involved.

Zeedn said after the event: “I had a great day at Williams - it was everything I could have hoped for and more. Racing against other top drivers was an experience I won’t forget, especially qualifying P10 in my heat to reach the Grand Final. There was a technical issue that nearly affected the result, but I’m really pleased it was reviewed and I got the chance to compete properly. Finishing P17 in my first professional event is something I’m proud of, and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger next year.”

Ian Golledge, Deputy Head of Curriculum for Digital Industries at East Sussex College, said: “Beyond the racing, all attendees were also given access to the outstanding Williams Heritage Museum, adding to the overall experience. All in all, it was a fantastic and memorable day for everyone involved."