“He is a perfectionist,” James Vowles rubbishes claims that Williams recruited Logan Sargeant because he is American

James Vowles backs American rookie Logan Sargeant, and claims he has pure talent.

“He is a perfectionist,” James Vowles rubbishes claims that Williams recruited Logan Sargeant because he is American

Logan Sargeant & James Vowles (Images via PlanetF1 and Sportstar)

F1 team Williams Racing hired former Mercedes strategy director James Vowles as their team principal this season. The team finished last in the constructors’ standings in 2022 and wanted to make significant changes to improve. Williams started restructuring by replacing Nicholas Latifi with American driver Logan Sargeant. However, there was speculation that Williams hired Sargeant because of his nationality. 

James Vowles put the rumors to rest. He stated that Sargeant was hired because of his talent and is here on merit. The team boss backed his driver by saying he deserves to be on the grid and Williams were right to invest in him. Vowles dismissed the claim that Sargeant is here because of his “US passport.” Also, as the only American on the current F1 grid, Sargeant is under pressure to bring glory to his country by performing well.

James Vowles stated, “I’m incredibly pleased that the sport is growing in America, but I think it would be anything but disingenuous to say that Logan’s here for any other reason than I think he’s got this pure talent.” F1’s growing popularity in the United States has led many to believe that Williams hired Sargeant to have a commercial advantage. But Vowles and his driver stated that it was just a happy coincidence. 

Related: “He’s in a difficult situation,” Jenson Button passes ruthless verdict on American F1 hope Logan Sargeant amidst poor start to the season

James Vowles says Logan Sargeant has an “insatiable desire” to be better

Logan Sargeant (Image via Sky Sports)
Logan Sargeant (Image via Sky Sports)

The 2023 season opener was a joyous occasion for Williams. In the first race in Bahrain, Alex Albon finished 10th by securing the final point, and Logan Sargeant finished 12th. Though the American driver did not score points, he outperformed the other two rookies. It was a solid result for Williams. Sargeant also set an identical lap time to Lando Norris during the qualifying in Sakhir. 

Impressed by Sargeant’s F1 debut, James Vowles stated, “He has this insatiable desire to be better, to want more. He’s a perfectionist, and I like that in him.” However, the 22-year-old finished 16th in the Saudi Arabian GP. The third round was chaotic, and Sargeant had to retire from the race following a collision with the AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries.

Sargeant finished 16th at the Azerbaijan GP. His worst finish yet was at his home race, the Miami GP. Much to his disappointment, he was the last to take the checkered flag. Despite the misfortune, Williams believe in their driver. Vowles will undoubtedly give Sargeant a chance to turn things around. The rookie needs more time to settle in and prove his worth. After all, it is his first Formula 1 season, and only five rounds are over. 

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