Representing the United States of America in Formula 1 is as much of a privilege as it is a responsibility, Logan Sargeant has admitted.
After announcing Nicholas Latifi would be leaving the team after three seasons, Williams confirmed their intention to promote junior driver Sargeant to replace him next year. But that offer was dependent upon whether he could earn the points he needed to gain the superlicence required by the FIA for all F1 drivers.
He did so comfortably in the end, finishing fourth in the F2 standings. Back-to-back feature race wins at Silverstone and in Austria were the highlights of a season which ended with confirmation that he will carry American hopes in F1 next year.
Alexander Rossi was the last man from the US to race in F1, but his handful of appearances in 2015 were as a result of him filling in for some races representing Manor Marussia. Scott Speed was the most recent American F1 race seat holder – the Toro Rosso racer himself was the first in more than a decade, after Michael Andretti's final appearance in 1993.
So Sargeant knows he has been given a rare opportunity – but also knows there will be expectation to go along with the pleasure. "It's exciting, and it's definitely a privilege to even have this opportunity," the 21-year-old told Mirror Sport at the Autosport Awards earlier this month.
"These opportunities come around once in a lifetime and now it's my job to make the most of that. It comes down to the pressure of making sure I prepare for that the best I possibly can, physically, mentally, as well as getting as well acquainted with the team as I can. That's the goal, and hopefully we can perform next year."
Sargeant will fall in line alongside Alex Albon next year, racing for a Williams team which has struggled in recent seasons. It is not currently known who will lead them, though, after the surprise news that team principal Jost Capito and Francois-Xavier Demaison have departed.
Speaking prior to his exit as Williams chief, Capito told Mirror Sport why he felt this was the right time to bring a rookie into the team alongside Albon. "We're very excited about the pairing, because Alex now has a lot of experience," said the German.
"He likes to work with young drivers as well – he's keen to take the leadership on. He had the lead this year and he really grew in that role. He is very familiar with the team now, the team supports him and now is the right time to take a rookie on and give Logan a learning year in '23."
