Published 11/25/2022, 5:26 AM EST
After an unimpressive 3-year stint in Formula 1, Williams parted ways with Nicholas Latifi. Despite experienced drivers being available, Williams has promoted their academy talent, Logan Sargeant, to fill the empty cockpit. As the F2 driver is preparing to make his debut in the pinnacle of motorsport, we take a look at who he idolizes and draws inspiration from. And no, it is not someone from F1.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
America’s wait to watch one of their own race in Formula 1 is finally over as Logan Sargeant joins Williams for the 2023 season. The last driver from the States to race in Formula 1 was Alexander Rossi, who featured only in 5 GPs, racing for Marussia in 2014 and 2015. Logan’s arrival is expected to give a boost to the growing popularity of F1 in the US.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Who does Logan Sargeant idolize?
Logan Sargeant’s arrival in F1 was in doubt until the very end, as he was looking for requisite points to get a super license. Williams had earlier announced their intentions of signing Sargeant, provided he got his super license. Logan finished P5 in the final race in Abu Dhabi and that sealed his seat for the Oxfordshire-based team.
Oct 21, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant (45) of Team USA drives during practice for the U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
As the 21-year-old is on track to join the grid next year, Williams had a fun interview with him where he revealed his inspiration. “In racing, my first hero when I was a kid was, funnily enough, Jeff Gordon. I just loved watching him and the way he fought on track,” Logan admitted.
Jeff Gordon is a former American stock car racing driver. Gordon had a phenomenal NASCAR career as he finished as champion 4 times in the series.
It will be exciting for fans to see an American driver race full time in F1 once again. Teams too will monitor the rookie driver, as he can act as a gateway for some American sponsorships.
Logan Sargeant reacts to the exciting opportunity to race for Williams
Mario Andretti was the last US driver to win a race in F1. However, that was in 1978. While the chances of Logan winning a GP with Williams are slim, he will certainly look to impress bigger teams. For now, the rookie driver is just thankful for receiving the opportunity to race in F1.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Motorsport recently quoted him, saying, “It’s a huge honor and a dream come true to be given this opportunity to compete in Formula 1 with Williams Racing. A massive thank you to every person at Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for the support they’ve given me since the day I first joined the team at the 2021 United States Grand Prix.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Top 5 Williams F1 Liveries of All-Time
Are you looking forward to seeing Logan make his debut next year? How high up the standings do you think he will finish?