01 December 2023 , 16:39
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Logan Sargeant will get a second season in Formula 1, his Williams team has finally confirmed.
The rest of the 2024 grid was set in stone months ago, but Williams opted to take their time over the American's future. He scored just one point across his debut season but team principal James Vowles was more interested in his progress rather than his output.
And clearly he has seen enough to think Sargeant has earned a second season with his squad. "I am pleased to continue our journey with Logan into the 2024 season," said Vowles.
"Logan has demonstrated immense skill whilst under the pressure of the world stage, making him a perfect fit for our team. We have great confidence in his abilities and believe that together we can achieve even greater success in the upcoming season."
Sargeant was promoted from Formula 2 a year earlier than planned to partner Alex Albon this season. Williams had planned to take Oscar Piastri on a loan-style deal before the Aussie quit Alpine to race for McLaren, while back-up option Nyck de Vries chose to sign for AlphaTauri.
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Knowing Sargeant had been thrown in at the deep end, new team boss Vowles committed to being patient with the Floridian. He spent some time after the end of the season to study the 22-year-old's data before choosing to extend the offer of a second season.
Sargeant said: "I am thrilled to be continuing with Williams Racing for the 2024 season. It has been an incredible journey with the team so far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing as a driver within such a talented and dedicated group. We have exciting plans for the future, and I can't wait to contribute to the team's success in the coming year."
Williams finished seventh in the constructors' championship this year, three points clear of AlphaTauri who made a late charge up the standings having spent much of the year rock bottom.
Albon was able to score all but one of their 28 points which proved to be enough to secure that spot in the standings. But the pressure will be on Sargeant to support his team-mate in their sophomore season together by contributing more on that front, especially now he has a full year of F1 experience under his belt.
Sargeant's new deal means the grid for next season has just one change from the 20-strong line-up which began the 2023 campaign. De Vries was axed after 10 races and replaced with Daniel Ricciardo, who retains his AlphaTauri berth for 2024 alongside Yuki Tsunoda.