Logan Sargeant is not concerned about his raw pace, instead directing his attention to finding incremental gains.
As mentioned extensively in recent weeks, Logan Sargeant is fighting for his F1 career. The American driver must prove to Williams team principal James Vowles that he is deserving of a new contract. However, Sargeant believes his pure speed is not a major concern. Instead, his efforts will address the minor details.
Even before the 2024 season began, Sargeant’s position was always uncertain. Like most drivers currently in F1, he is searching for a contract to continue on the grid next season. Although his rookie campaign was not hugely convincing, this year is an opportunity to repay the faith Williams has given him.
Unfortunately for Sargeant, the team’s shock decision to replace him mid-weekend in Australia sent a far less comforting message about their perception of his abilities. Accompanied by his failure to qualify Alex Albon, the first six rounds have not been overly positive.
Sargeant is happy with his level
At least, this is how some might see the Williams driver’s campaign so far. Speaking to the media in Miami, he revealed that he is relatively satisfied with his current form:
“If I look since Australia, I feel like it’s been going relatively well, from a pace front,” motorsport.com quotes him as saing.
“[In] Japan, getting almost everything out of it. Of course, China was disappointing, but here [at Miami on Saturday], I feel like I did a good job.
“So… just looking for that last tenths.”
Some might disagree with Sargeant’s generally positive assessment. After all, he crashed out on multiple occasions in Japan and has yet to match his teammate’s level.
Although Albon is a strong reference, an F1-calibre driver would be expected to show more speed than the Thai driver on at least a few occasions. So far, even on Albon’s worst days, he is comfortably ahead of the #2 car.
Kimi Antonelli is one of the plethora of drivers available in the market. James Vowles has already confirmed that Williams is looking at several options for the 2025 season.
Of course, Sargeant is still very much in the race. There is still time for the youngster to prove himself to the Grove-based team.
With that said, the evidence accumulated over the last twelve months does not indicate he is faster – or has more potential – than some of the free agents on the market.
This will force Sargeant to improve his level and change the narrative in the upcoming rounds.
