Logan Sargeant has clarity over his F1 future as likely replacement strikes deal

02 November 2023 , 21:54

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Logan Sargeant has clarity over his F1 future as likely replacement strikes deal

Williams have given the clearest indication yet that Logan Sargeant will continue to race for the team in 2024.

The American's Formula 1 seat is the only one not yet set in stone for next season. Called up from Formula 2 a year earlier than planned, the learning curve proved to be a steep one of Sargeant, but the team has remained patient.

He finally broke his duck two weeks ago with his first point at the United States Grand Prix, confirmed after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified. After being bumped up to 10th place as a result, Sargeant became the first American in 30 years, since Michael Andretti, to scored an F1 world championship point.

And his general improvement as the season has progressed appears to have pleased team boss James Vowles. Enough, perhaps, to have made up his mind regarding Sargeant's future. There has been no official announcement from Williams, but the team has dropped a significant hint that the 22-year-old will get a second year in F1.

Williams confirmed Sargeant and Alex Albon "will split driving duties in the FW45 as part of the end-of-season testing in Abu Dhabi". The plan to involve the American in that test is a strong hint that he will still be in that seat come next February.

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And if Williams are still considering other options, the most likely man to potentially replace Sargeant has now made plans elsewhere. F2 champion Felipe Drugovich has spent the season as a reserve at Aston Martin and has put pen to paper on a new deal to extend that role into 2024.

The Brazilian was considered to be a front-runner for that Williams seat if they decide to replace Sargeant. But it appears he has now settled for another year as a reserve instead.

"I'm really proud to be continuing to work with Aston Martin for a second season," said Drugovich. "This year, I've learnt a huge amount – not just at the racetrack, but working with the engineers in the simulator and from the development programme that was designed for me.

"I'm proud of the contribution I've been able to make and pleased that I've been able to help progress the development of AMR23. My focus now shifts towards preparing for the upcoming FP1 session at Abu Dhabi – I'm already looking forward to driving the AMR23 again – and to the work I'll be doing with the engineers over the winter to prepare for 2024."

Daniel Moxon