Sargeant to make F1 test debut for Williams next week

2021 F1 season

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Williams academy driver Logan Sargeant will get his first ever run in a Formula 1 car at Tuesday’s Young Driver Test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old will become the first driver who competes under the flag of the United States to participate in an official F1 test or race session since Alexander Rossi raced for the Manor team in 2016.

Williams confirmed that Sargeant will run the team’s FW43B on the Tuesday, reserved for young drivers, before the second day’s tyre test of the new 18-inch wheels for 2022.

Sargeant says he will be looking to gather as much knowledge and experience as possible from his first time driving a F1 car.

“I can’t wait for my first run in a Formula 1 car and want to thank the team for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” said Sargeant.

“I’ve been spending time in the factory at Grove and getting to grips with the simulator, which has helped me get an initial feel for the characteristics of the FW43B, but to be able to get out on track will be an incredible experience and one that I won’t forget. I’ll be going into the test looking to perform the best I can and to learn as much as possible from the team.”

Williams sporting director, Sven Smeets, said Sargeant’s running will benefit the team as they will be unable to participate in the following day’s testing.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing Logan in the FW43B and I’m pleased that Williams can provide him with his first outing in Formula One machinery,” said Smeets. “I’m sure it will be a very special moment for him.

“Whilst we won’t be running a ‘mule car’ using the 18-inch Pirelli tyres, the test will still be beneficial for the team. It will also be an incredibly valuable opportunity for Logan to fully understand how we operate trackside. I know that having such an immersive experience will only build upon his evident skill and allows the team to continue to support his development whilst capitalising on his talent.”

Sargeant made his Formula 2 debut for HWA last weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix but is not competing in this weekend’s final round, having been replaced by Jake Hughes at HWA. He previously completed three seasons in Formula 3 with a best finish of third in the standings with Prema in 2020, beaten to the title by team mate Oscar Piastri.

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Will Wood
Will has been a RaceFans contributor since 2012 during which time he has covered F1 test sessions, launch events and interviewed drivers. He mainly...

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7 comments on “Sargeant to make F1 test debut for Williams next week”

  1. I really know very little about him, is he rated? It seems odd to have only competed in one F2 race and then get an F1 test.

    1. @bernasaurus
      3rd in British F4; 3rd in F3 last year (7th this year); 3rd in his only Macau appearance. Only 5 wins across all those.

      I think he’s a bit over hyped because he’s American and the closest thing they have to F1 right now.
      I see him as a OK nearly man who might have a long professional career in Sportscars, but is not currently good enough for F1 (compared to his peers – there are many others I rate above him).

      1. Thanks @eurobrun kind of what I expected. We know Liberty are keen on ‘that American driver’, and I don’t watch much Indycar but watched Nashville and Colton Herta looked mighty (until he hit the wall). But I guess Young Driver Tests and Reserve roles aren’t really of any interest to him now unless it’s a full-time F1 drive.

      2. Has 9 wins total – He competed in the defunct-Formula Renault Eurocup earning him 3 wins and a another win in a 1-off in Formula Renault NEC in 2018. Finished 4th in Eurocup.

        And the US is well represented in the European Open-Wheel ranks with Jak Crawford, Kaylen Frederick and Cameron Das who won the Euroformula Open series title this year. Das is fighting for a budget for Formula 2.

  2. I wish the best for the guy, but I dread the way commentators and headlines will abused his name:
    “Sergeant leads race with a commanding perfomance”
    “Sergeant proves to be a great team captain”
    “Sergeant major move”

    1. David Croft would never stoop so low!
      🤣

      1. I forgot: “Sergiant”

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