F1: Logan Sargeant into 2nd Williams seat, pending Super License

F2 driver Logan Sargeant announced as Williams second driver for F1 2023 pending a super license. (Credit: WilliamsF1.com)

Logan Sargeant could become Alexander Albon’s new teammate at Williams next season if he accumulates enough Super License points.  

On Saturday morning, Williams team principal Jost Capito confirmed in a press conference that Sargeant could replace Nicholas Latifi next season. He would race alongside Alexander Albon next year only if he manages to secure his Super Licence in the final Formula 2 round later this season. Capito said:

“We feel he’s ready to race. Under the condition that he has enough Super Licence points, he will be our second driver next year. I’m a fan of getting young drivers through as quickly as possible to F1 because the series below the cars compared to F1 is like trucks! So, get him in as quick as possible and find out if he is capable to stay in F1 a long time.”

How can Sargeant seal his Super License? 

On Friday, Sargeant completed the 100km FP1 for Williams in Austin. In doing so he gained an extra Super License point, moving him on to a total of 28 points. The team confirmed the American will also run FP1 sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. Clean runs in those sessions will leave him needing only 10 Super License points from the F2 finale. This means a top-six finish in the F2 Championship will be enough for the 21-year-old to secure the 40 Super License points required to make it to Formula 1.

Focus turns to Abu Dhabi

Speaking on the huge opportunity and task added, Sargeant said,

“I’d like to start by saying thank you again to Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for giving me the opportunity to drive on home turf yesterday here at COTA.”

“It was one of the most enjoyable moments of my career so far. I’m very grateful to be given further time in the FW44 at Mexico and Abu Dhabi. My aim is to make the most of every minute in the car and with the team to build on the progress I’ve made in Austin and throughout my time on the simulator at Grove.

“Of course, my focus is on finishing my Formula 2 season in Abu Dhabi in the best position possible, and I’m sure my time in the FW44 will keep me sharp and ready for the F2 finale.”

2022 marked Sargeant’s first full season in F2. After a steady start to the year, he hit his stride in the summer, starting with a second in the Feature Race at Baku. Then came back-to-back wins at Silverstone and Red Bull Ring, which catapulted him into the title conversation. A string of retirements saw him fall away from eventual champion Felipe Drugovich and second-place Theo Pourchaire.

While he enters Abu Dhabi in third, knowing that sixth should clinch his Super License, it won’t be easy. Sargeant enters on 135 points, followed by Alpine Academy driver Jack Doohan (126), Red Bull Academy’s Jehan Daruvala (126), Enzo Fittipaldi (126), and Liam Lawson (123). Sargeant is only 12 points ahead of seventh place. If he manages to get the Super License, Sargeant would become the first full-time American driver in F1 since Scott Speed in 2007. 

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