Williams Puts Pressure on Logan Sargeant to Improve Performance
In the latest Formula 1 news, Williams team principal James Vowles has made it clear that Logan Sargeant needs to step up his performance to secure his seat for the 2025 season. Despite acknowledging the American driver’s improvement, Vowles believes Sargeant must deliver more to justify his position in the team.
Sargeant’s rookie season was marred by struggles, with teammate Alex Albon out-qualifying him in all 22 rounds and scoring 28 points to Sargeant’s one. Although Vowles chose to retain Sargeant, the sophomore driver has continued to face challenges this season, including being forced to run older-spec components due to a parts shortage.
“I think there’s no doubt, second year of running, and you are now seeing the confidence start to build as a result of it, and there is performance there,” Vowles stated. “We need more from him, really, to be able to save his seat in that sort of circumstance.”
The 22-year-old has been unable to break into the points in his eight appearances, but he remains adamant that he has made tangible progress. “I think there’s been good moments,” Sargeant said. “I think I’ve seen a huge step forward. It’s just unfortunate we’re in a tough position with the car at the moment, but I think it’s starting to move back in the right direction.”
However, with Williams reportedly in talks with Carlos Sainz and Valtteri Bottas, Vowles has made it clear that Sargeant’s seat is far from secure. Sargeant has insisted that he is focused on his job and is not distracted by the speculation surrounding possible replacements.
“At the end of the day, I’m focused on my job,” he explained. “I spend what time I need to do with the engineers. I look at my driving, I look at the data across cars. At the end of the day, I’m here to drive, here to do my job as best as I can, and that’s what I do.”
Meanwhile, the FIA’s decision to lower the minimum age limit to 17 has made Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli eligible to make his Formula 1 debut before he turns 18 in August. With Williams believed to have been behind the original request to the FIA, rumors have been circulating that Antonelli could replace Sargeant mid-season.
When asked if he was certain he would complete the season with Williams, Sargeant replied, “Yeah, as of now. I have a contract and I’m here to drive.” As the Formula 1 calendar continues, Sargeant will be under pressure to deliver and prove himself worthy of a seat in the 2025 season.
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