Logan Sargeant failed to score points at the Italian GP, with teammate Alex Albon leading the way for Williams. As speculation continues into the second half of 2023, Sargeant has received a set of targets to earn a contract renewal.
The 22-year-old started the year with promise, showing encouraging pace – albeit accompanied by some errors – in the first two rounds.
A messy qualifying in Saudi Arabia still showcased Sargeant’s pace, keeping his teammate honest throughout the weekend.
However, as the FW45 flourishes, Sargeant seems unable to maximise its potential. Although this isn’t abnormal for F1 rookies, Williams team principal James Vowles explains that progression is still expected.
As quoted by racingnews365, Vowles outlined what performances the team are expecting:
“Where Logan is, he’s on the right path to development. He’s just got to step it up, race on race.
“The comments I’ve given him are this: ‘It’s a meritocracy – you are not here because we want you to be here; you have to earn your place’.”
He continues by emphasising that Sargeant must “keep moving forward relative to Alex, and [then] there is a place for you here.”
In addition to a general target of matching Albon, Vowles also believes points are attainable for Sargeant.
This seems perfectly reasonable, with the FW45 having already delivered twenty points on the opposite side of the garage. Liam Lawson’s P11 in Monza is proof that, whilst there is a learning phase in F1, strong results are not without reach.
At least so far, Williams is showing plenty of patience with their young talent. This is a refreshing change from the more cut-throat environments inexperienced drivers face elsewhere on the grid.
With that said, Vowles is a man with ambition and – as demonstrated in recent interviews – is already taking steps to elevate his team.
Though his involvement in this year’s car would have been minimal, the 44-year-old is already pushing for investment into Williams’ facilities. and infrastructure.
In the long term, this will help the team compete at the front.
Focusing on the here and now, the FW45 is clearly capable of points. There is also no reason to believe that Williams cannot repeat this level of performance next season.
Alex Albon has fought with the top 10 at various circuits in a car that, whilst having clear strengths, is also addressing its weaknesses.
Logan Sargeant is certainly a driver with potential, but exactly how far he can progress in F1 is unclear.
To remove any doubt and secure his future, out-qualifying and out-racing his teammate (alongside some points) could be a welcome boost.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
