Logan Sargeant: “Having two races allows me to keep learning.”

Logan Sargeant is, along with Nyck de Vries, the only driver on the grid without any points in the standings. The rookie is struggling with Williams and is struggling to find performance. For someone who doesn’t know Formula 1, learning must be the priority. But Williams needs points to aim higher. The American hopes for a better weekend at the Red Bull Ring. And there are a few reasons to believe in it.

A circuit he knows

In Thursday’s press conference, Logan Sargeant revealed that the Red Bull Ring is a circuit he knows well, thanks to his experience in F3 and F2. But more than just a familiar circuit, it’s a track where he has often succeeded. « “It’s a circuit that has treated me well in the past,” he said yesterday. In fact, last year at the same venue, he won the F2 feature race after Richard Verschoor was disqualified for running out of fuel at the finish. However, this year will be different: Williams is far behind in terms of performance. But an exceptional feat is entirely possible, as Albon proved in Canada, so why not Sargeant in Austria?

The American driver seems vengeful and wants to set things right after this difficult start to the season. Obviously, the last two races haven’t been easy. So, you know, the plan is to get back on track, he said yesterday at the press conference. The task won’t be easy but Logan Sargeant seems determined to come back. I hope we can move things forward in the right direction and bounce back on a circuit that has been successful for me in the past, concluded the American on this point.

Improvements and a positive outlook

Improvements are expected to arrive this weekend on Logan Sargeant’s Williams. He declared yesterday in a press conference that he is happy with this update: “It seems that the car’s characteristics are relatively similar, which is good for me because I don’t feel like I’m driving a completely new car,” he explained. “It has a nice perspective for this weekend.” The American, without even having tested these new features on the track, already seems satisfied. “« It is faster, it has more downforce, so it is better overall,” he said. Let’s see if his words are confirmed on the track.

Furthermore, Sergeant seems confident about the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring, which should suit the Williams FW45. « I don’t think it will be too difficult. I think it’s a track that will suit us better », the American said. Last year, Albon finished 12th and Latifi 19th. Let’s hope for a better result for Sergeant and Albon this year.

There is also a factor that could come into play over the weekend: the weather. As Logan Sargeant stated yesterday in a press conference, this risk exists and if it rains, we will have to deal with it. However, this could still be an opportunity to fight for points. « The weather conditions also seem a bit tricky, so we will do our best to stay in the fight », he said.

Weekend sprint: a format appreciated by Sargeant

The new sprint format introduced in Baku seems to delight a majority of fans and drivers. Less punishing than the previous format, this one allows the opportunity to fully focus on the sprint without sacrificing the Grand Prix. For Logan Sargeant, it’s a pleasure. « Honestly, I really like it. I don’t mind having a session directly for qualifying. You know, I even enjoyed the Sprint Qualifying the next day », he explained during the Thursday press conference.

And this format appeals to Logan Sargeant for one main reason: experience. With two qualifications and two races, drivers can experience more situations and learn faster. « It’s a good thing: it gives us, in my opinion, more opportunities under pressure, which is good. And then, having two races allows me to continue learning », said Logan Sargeant.

A sprint format he enjoys, improvements that seem to work, and a circuit he already knows: the conditions might be met for Sargeant to have a solid weekend with Williams.