Formula 2 driver Sargeant made his Formula 1 weekend debut this Friday during the first free practice of the 2022 United States Grand Prix.
It’s no secret that the young American driver is the favorite to replace Nicholas Latifi at Williams next year, but he still needs to finish in the top five of the F2 overall standings to secure his superlicence.
Although the F2 season won’t end until the Abu Dhabi weekend, Williams will help Logant Sargeant in his quest to obtain a superlicence, giving him the opportunity to drive his car in practice in Mexico and Abu Dhabi, as well as participating in the postseason test, also at Yas Marina.
Such a move makes it more obvious that Williams plans to give Sargeant the 2023 seat, partnering Alex Albon, but no formal announcement is expected at least until the super license has been secured.
“I’d like to start by thanking Williams and Dorilton again for giving me the opportunity to drive at home here at COTA,” said Sargeant.
“It was one of the most incredible moments of my racing career so far. I am very grateful that they are going to give me more opportunities with the FW44 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.”
“My goal is to make the most of every minute I’m in the car and with the team, to see the progress I’ve made in Austin and in the simulator at Grove.”
“Of course, my goal is to finish my season in the best possible position in F2, and I am sure that these tests with the FW44 will keep me prepared and ready for the last round that we still have ahead of us in F2.”
Williams F1 boss Jost Capito has also confirmed that if Sargeant gets a superlicence, he will race alongside Alex Albon in 2023.
“We think he is ready to race,” Capito told the FIA news conference.
“If he has enough points to get the superlicence, he will be our second driver next year.”
Sargeant will replace Albon in FP1 next weekend at the Mexican GP, before replacing Latifi in Free Practice 1 in Abu Dhabi in the final round of the season.
By completing more than 100 km and not receiving a reprimand at the Circuit of the Americas, Sargeant earned an extra point towards his super license, giving him a total of 31 points.
If he manages two more FP1 sessions without mishaps in Mexico and Abu Dhabi, the American could score as many as 33 points, which would mean he could finish seventh in the F2 standings and still get the superlicence.
Sargeant currently sits in third place in the championship with 135 points, but is only 12 points clear of Liam Lawson in seventh place.
“Logan had a great level of insight during his FP1 debut in Austin and provided useful information to help us prepare for the rest of the weekend,” said Sven Smeets, Williams sporting director.
“We will give Logan more opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi, both in free practice and in the young drivers test, we want to support Logan to achieve the Superlicence.”
“It’s fantastic that as a team we can give him the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW44 to continue his development as a driver from our academy and take advantage of his talents.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing how Logan progresses this season and finishes his final F2 race,” Williams sporting director concluded.
