‘I think it was a good start’: Rumoured Nicholas Latifi replacement Logan Sargeant discusses his ‘very different’ FP1 outing
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Logan Sargeant (IMAGO / Action Plus)
Hometown hero Logan Sargeant had a relatively problem-free FP1 debut. Sargeant finished 19th in FP1, just under 2 seconds behind his teammate, Alex Albon, and +3.468s off the session leader, Carlos Sainz. He also completed 23 laps, which is well over 100 kilometres. That is worth an extra super license point, which is going to be crucial for him.
Following the end of the session, Sargeant gave his thoughts on the session, saying: “The main goal coming into today was to learn as much as possible and I feel like I did pick up on a lot. It was very different to what I honestly expected but in a good way. The way that the car reacts compared to what I’m used to in Formula 2 is massively different.”
The 22-year-old was happy with how the session went: “Super reactive in the high-speed and so good on the brakes. A lot of potential to still pick up on and improve on, but I think it was a good start and happy with how it went.” and also thanked Williams: “A massive thank you to Williams and Dorilton Motor Sports for their support and the opportunity today.”
Logan Sargeant is reportedly favourite for the Williams seat
As soon as Nyck de Vries to AlphaTauri was announced, and even before that, Logan Sargeant has long been considered a prime candidate to replace Nicholas Latifi at Williams. While there’s also Mick Schumacher, he may yet extend at Haas. But Sargeant still needs to tick a few boxes.
First of all, the American needs to finish at least sixth in the F2 championship. While it would normally be fifth, he does not have any penalty points (yet) so if he finishes the season with 0, that is worth an extra 2 super license points. His Austin run already gave him an extra super-license point as well. So he can likely finish sixth and still be eligible, but finishing fifth or above (he is currently third) would ensure it.
While he is third, the gap down to seventh place Liam Lawson is only 12 points. Everything must be perfect for him in Abu Dhabi, but Williams seem to be keen on showing proof of their faith in him. Apparently, team principal Jost Capito has teased that there will be news on Saturday about the vacant seat. Well, Sargeant is American, so this race weekend would be the perfect time to announce it.
The context of his announcement seems to further suggest that a big announcement, possibly regarding Sargeant, is coming. It is likely that this possible announcement is a form of agreement to join the team, if he fulfills the conditions. If all goes well, Formula 1 will have an American driver on the grid next year, for the first time since Alexander Rossi in 2015.
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)