James Vowles opts for silence on Logan Sargeant’s 2024 seat

James Vowles believes Logan Sargeant has been doing everything to earn the seat.


James Vowles opts for silence on Logan Sargeant’s 2024 seat

James Vowles and Logan Sargeant (via IMAGO)

As the Formula 1 world settles into its winter slumber, one lingering question keeps fans on the edge of their seats – who will occupy the solitary unclaimed cockpit for the 2024 season? The enigma revolves around Logan Sargeant‘s seat at Williams, and the team’s recent update adds a cryptic layer to the unfolding drama.

19 out of 20 slots have found their designated partners for the upcoming season. However, the lone seat that remains unconfirmed is the Sargeant’s at Williams. Sargeant’s debut season hasn’t been particularly astounding. He faced a daunting 0-22 defeat against his teammate, the formidable Alex Albon. The numbers tell a story of struggle, with only one point to his name compared to Albon’s commanding 27, securing Williams a commendable 7th place in the standings.

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Despite the hurdles in Sargeant’s journey, there were faint glimmers of hope in the latter parts of the season. Even counting in the rookie tax, his season lacks the brilliance seen in fellow rookie, Oscar Piastri‘s consecutive podiums or Liam Lawson’s impressive five-race stint with AlphaTauri. Team principal James Vowles, though cryptic, acknowledges the steps forward but holds from divulging any information about the confirmation. 

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Vowles, when pressed about Sargeant’s future, skirts direct confirmation.

I’m afraid you’re getting ahead of yourself. Whatever happens, Logan has been in our academy for many, many years.
James Vowles said to Last Word on Sports

Amid the uncertainty, he still praises Sargeant’s role. Yet, the veil of ambiguity remains intact as Vowles closes the discourse with a definitive statement on the team’s stance. He clarified,

We’re not in a position to confirm that at this point in time.

James Vowles believes that Logan Sargeant has been doing everything to earn the seat

In a season marked by challenges, Logan Sargeant showcased flashes of brilliance for Williams. Securing two Q3 appearances and contributing to the team’s best starting position since 2016 in Las Vegas, Sargeant left a lasting impression. Notably, he became the first American driver in three decades to score a point, adding a historical touch to his rookie campaign.

Logan sargeant
Logan Sargeant (Credits: Motorsport.com)

The Williams team principal, recognized Sargeant’s integral role, asserting,

 He will always remain a part of our academy. He’s still an excellently quick driver. Look at the last five races and how he’s been improving, I think you can see signs that he’s doing what we need to earn the seat.

This acknowledgment hints at a deep-rooted belief in Sargeant’s potential.

Sargeant receives backing from his uncle, a wealthy American businessman overseeing a diverse conglomerate of global enterprises, including aviation, oil refineries, trading operations, alternative fuels development, and the world’s largest asphalt tanker fleet. If Sargeant gets a contract extension for 2024, it will mark the first season without a rookie driver on the grid. 

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