Logan Sargent finished last in the constructors’ championship of all drivers who raced throughout the 2023 season, with Williams yet to confirm his place on the grid for next season.
A Williams engineer has hinted that Logan Sargent could earn a second year in F1 despite failing to score any points at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
This American managed to score only one point in his first season in the sport, as the learning curve turned out to be particularly steep. And the final race of the season at the Yas Marina circuit was seen as his last chance to win the seat he currently holds.
This is the last seat yet to be confirmed for the 2024 season. And the fact that he qualified last and couldn’t get close to the points in the race won’t help his cause.
However, radio messages from the race engineer suggest Sargent may still be able to earn his targeted second season.
“Looking forward to next year, buddy!” they said on the radio.
Williams has yet to make an official announcement regarding Sargent’s future. Team principal James Bolles had agreed to let the American racer finish the season before being informed of the final decision.
Of course, the Williams manager was asked about this in a conversation with journalists in Abu Dhabi after the race.
Still, he didn’t want to say anything other than point out the progress Sargent has made in the second half of the season.
He said: “Unfortunately, you’ve outdone yourself. But no matter what happens, Logan has been in our academy for many years. He will always be the best in our academy. I will continue to be a part of it.” He’s still a very fast driver.
“But if you step back from that and look at the last five races and see how he’s improved, there are signs that he’s doing what we need to do to secure a seat. I think we understand. But we’re not there.” I’m in a position to confirm this at this point. The most important thing I want him to say is that I’m proud of how far he’s come.”
Even if Williams decides to move on, they have a lot of potential. There is no shortage of options. Mick Schumacher remains in Mercedes’ reserves and has committed to competing in the World Endurance Championship in the Alpine, but new F2 champion Theo Purschere and former winner Felipe Drugovic will be competing in the World Endurance Championship for the first time. I’m looking forward to driving full-time F1.
And although he fell short of the F2 title, Mercedes junior Frederic Vesti was named by Ralf Schumacher as a title contender. “(Bowles) is closely monitoring him in Abu Dhabi and has been allowed to look at his data,” the Sky Germany expert said. “Probably a decision will have to be made for next year.” he said.