Logan Sargeant insists he deserves more time in F1, explaining that rookie drivers have very limited testing time.
The American driver is under heavy scrutiny as he works to secure a contract extension with Williams. Since the beginning of the year, team principal James Vowles has been consistently supportive of Sargeant’s development as a driver.
Even amidst underwhelming performances, Vowles continues to emphasise that Sargeant deserves more time. After all, it was Williams’ decision to promote the 21-year-old to Formula 1 after just one season in F2.
To be clear, this does not mean that Sargeant is exempt from criticism. After all, the likes of Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson have proven that even inexperienced drivers can show speed quickly. Neither of these drivers are at their peak, but most would agree they have shown more promise than Sargeant.
Then again, other variables should be considered when evaluating the Williams driver’s results. One important factor is the upgrades – or lack thereof – available to the Grove-based team. At many events this season, Alex Albon has enjoyed the latest updates from the factory.
Sargeant does not always have this luxury. James Vowles has pointed out that he often receives updates a few races later than his more experienced teammate.
Testing, testing, testing
In addition to this, pre-season testing is very limited for young drivers. Sargeant recently explained the impact of this on his ability to achieve results:
“It is a constant work-in-progress, and I don’t think anyone is perfect in that sense,” he told racingnews365.
“It is just about building off the mistakes, and it might sound silly, but using them to your advantage to try and learn from them. Ideally, you’d have more testing, as that is the best way to prepare.
“I mean, back in the day when Lewis [Hamilton] and Fernando [Alonso] joined, everyone back then got endless days of testing.
“And in the current car, too, which is very different to what we experience now.”
These points are entirely valid, with pre-season testing far shorter than it used to be. In the current era of F1, rookies must adapt quickly to the demands of the sport. This doesn’t mean that rookies are doomed – as evidenced by Piastri’s performances. However, it does complicate things.
Sargeant’s future is in his hands
Considering the volume of Sargeant’s incidents and errors in recent weeks, the response from Williams remains very positive. Evidently, James Vowles will do everything in his power to give his latest signing another season in Formula 1.
The Qatar GP was another example of Williams’ duty of care for the 21-year-old. In an environment where expectations are ultra-high, the radio messages between Vowles and Sargeant were a rare sight. Given that even experienced drivers suffered in Losail, the decision to retire was sensible.
Moreover, it is certainly possible that 2024 will see him progress substantially. It is not uncommon for drivers to make big leaps between the first and second seasons. With that said, he must show clear progression in the final five rounds.
Williams might be supportive, but this does not mean that Sargeant is immune from losing his seat. Aside from his health issues in Qatar, the youngster was relatively close to his teammate in race trim. If he can replicate this before 2023 ends, it will significantly improve his position.
