American nationality? “No additional pressure” for Sargeant

The first American pilot Formula 1 since 2015. Logan sargeant succeeds Alexander Red, native of Auburn in California, and a career reduced to… 5 Grand Prix starts, within the Manor Marussia team. Scott Speed, his west coast predecessor, had completed two seasons (2006 and 2007) with Toro Rosso, the current Alpha Tauri.

But nationality doesn’t make a difference, and the 22-year-old driver has that in mind less than two months before the start of the season: “ To be honest, it doesn't add extra pressure., declares Sargeant in an interview with F1.

I have high expectations of myself either way. » And if the sport seemed in constant search of an American accent to be heard in the paddock, this is not the main reason for its tenure at Williams for the Californian: “ At the end of the day, I feel like I worked just as hard as everyone else to get here. All I tell myself is to prepare as best I can to be the best driver I can be. »

Sargeant comes at just the right time, “ a simple and happy coincidence »

Williams' new arrival alongsideAlexander albon therefore still has everything to show in a paddock dominated by European drivers, the British being the most numerous. And while the premier category of motorsport is increasing its meetings with the North American continent, with three Grand Prix in 2023 in the country (Miami, Austin and Las Vegas), it was surprising to see no presence across the Atlantic on the grid only one representative: Haas. The white and red team of Günther Steiner could be joined by the project between Andretti and Cadillac but, on this side, the matter is still to be followed.

It was during the last Grand Prix of last season in Abu Dhabi that Williams confirmed the tenure of the American driver from its academy. He will take part in the post-season rookie tests on December 14, at the Yas Marina circuit.

Whoever will be behind the wheel of the car number #2 climbed to 3rd in the FIA ​​championship standings F3 of 2020 and at the gates of the podium of F2 last year and winning the honorary title of best rookie, accompanied by the British team Carlin Motorsport. In front of him: Drugovich, Pourchaire and Lawson.

None of the three appear on the Formula 1 grid in 2023. But he assures that his nationality did not play a role in the choice of the Grove team: “ I think it's just a happy coincidence.he concludes. I have worked a lot in recent years, coming all the way to Europe to make my dream a reality. »

The next dream for whoever succeeds the Canadian Nicholas latifi ? The title of world champion, like two other American drivers before him: Phil Hill (1961) and Mario Andretti (1978). 

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