LOGAN SARGEANT joins Williams this year, as the first American to join the grid since Alexander Rossi in 2015. We caught up with the Fort Lauderdale native…
What was your original inspiration to go racing?
My family was never sort of hugely into racing. My dad just got my brother and I go-karts for Christmas when I was five years old. It was just meant to be a bit of a hobby. Things took off from there and it got a little bit more serious than we anticipated.
You moved to Europe quite early in your career, what was that like?
I moved to Europe when I was 12 years old. I spent about five years first in Switzerland, and now have been in London for six years. So I’m well acquainted with Europe, and the weather change from Florida.
What are you most proud of in your junior career?
It’s hard work to be consistently performing at a high level throughout your junior career. It’s been a lot of work in progress. But I’d say one of the results I’m most proud of third in Macau [in 2019]. It’s probably my favourite race that I’ve ever taken part in. It’s just a great track. And I really enjoyed the F3 car as well. And that was a pretty special moment.
How do you feel joining Williams for your F1 debut?
It’s a massively prestigious and historic team, and one that’s pretty special to have your name attached to it. They’ve given me so much support over the past year [2022]. From the moment I walked in, they’ve taken me in with open arms and they’ve done their best to shape and form me into the best driver that I can be, between getting my first F1 test at the end of last year [2021], which was
a special moment, and then supporting me through F2, driving the sim, as well as shadowing Alex and Nicholas [Latifi] at some of the races.
What was your first F1 test like?
To be honest, I felt slightly nervy coming into the day. But, also I felt quite comfortable. It’s quite a nice feeling when you know that you have a full day to just sort of build up to the limit and enjoy it. I was quite amazed at how perfect everything felt, in terms of aero, downforce, and brakes. The drivability was absolutely perfect, and every input you made it just did exactly what you were wanting from the car. And from a driver’s standpoint, that’s what we enjoy most. And that’s why I loved it so much.
Lastly, are you ready for F1?
I think I am. As I said, every step of the way I’ve been doing everything I can to be ready for that moment.
By STEWART BELL
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