Williams give Sargeant chance to show F1 credentials

Logan Sargeant will have an opportunity to show he is a Formula 1 driver of the future when he takes part in FP1 for Williams at the United States Grand Prix.

The 21-year-old from Florida will complete the mandatory rookie driver requirement forWilliams. That comprises two different inexperienced drivers taking part in an FP1 session apiece for each team during the 2022 season.

Williams have already run Nyck de Vries at the Spanish Grand Prix and it will be Sargeant’s turn in Austin on October 21 when he takes the wheel ofNicholas Latifi’s car.

Sargeant, a Williams Academy driver, is competing in his first full Formula 2 campaign and has made a strong impression, winning races at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring.

He sits third in the standings after a less productive weekend in Hungary last time out, but has thrust himself into contention for apotential elevation to F1next year if Williams decide to replace the struggling Latifi.

By participating in FP1 at the Circuit of The Americas, Sargeant is in line to become the first American to feature during a grand prix weekend since Alexander Rossi in 2015 – unless a compatriot beats him to that honour in the meantime.

FP1 on Home Soil!

Williams Academy and multiple FIA@Formula2race winner@LoganSargeantwill drive the FW44 on home turf during the first Free Practice session of the 2022 United States Grand Prix!#WeAreWilliamspic.twitter.com/rmQx0Uz7iy

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing)August 2, 2022

“I’m super-excited to be given this opportunity to drive my first free practice in Austin,” said Sargeant. “To be given the chance at the US Grand Prix is something extremely special to me.

“A massive thank you to Williams for putting the trust and belief in me to do a good job. The goal for me will be to learn as much as possible in the new generation of cars.

“I’m looking forward to making the most of this experience and really enjoying it.”

It will not be Sargeant’s first time in an F1 car for he took part in the ‘young driver test’ for Williams at Yas Marina last December.

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets said: “Logan has demonstrated a great level of ability and maturity so far this season through his accomplishments both on and off the track.

“He’s delivered race-winning performances in Formula 2, matched by his hard work during simulator sessions.

“It felt only right to reward these achievements with the opportunity for him to take part in a free practice session at Austin.

“We are looking forward to seeing him get behind the wheel of the FW44 and how his performance and feedback help the team’s preparations for the race in Austin.”