F1: Williams expected to keep Sargeant for 2024 (Update)

(GMM) Williams has issued the clearest sign yet that Logan Sargeant will be offered a contract extension for 2024.

It’s the final official vacancy on next year’s grid, with team boss James Vowles insisting Williams supports the rookie American but needs to see steady progress to the end of the season.

Sargeant, whose crash damage in 2023 is said to add up to an eye-watering $4 million, thinks he has been solid lately even though “Saturdays haven’t gone as well”.

“But I think it’s all there,” he said. “Just need to do it.”

Williams has, however, dropped a big hint about its ongoing plans with Sargeant, with the team revealing that he will be part of the post-season test lineup in Abu Dhabi after the season finale.

When asked in Brazil if the long delay in the confirmation of his contract extension is frustrating, the Florida native answered: “Yeah, I mean, it is what it is.

“I’m just taking it race by race. I think, as I said, Sunday’s are getting stronger and stronger. Now it’s just about getting qualifying together.

“Take it race by race, enjoy every weekend and wherever it leaves us, it does.”

(GMM) Logan Sargeant seems increasingly confident about keeping his Williams race seat for a second season in Formula 1.

In recent weeks and months, there has been speculation the famously-named, Dorilton-owned team was shopping around to replace its struggling American rookie.

Bild newspaper believes Sargeant, 22, is the most expensive driver on the grid this year in terms of crash damage – having scrapped almost $4 million in broken carbon fiber in 2023 so far.

He told the German publication: “It has definitely been frustrating at times – ups and downs. But I feel like I’m better now than I was at the start of the season and I’ve learned a lot since then.”

However, Williams’ second cockpit alongside the on-form Alex Albon – at least officially – remains the final vacancy on the 2024 grid.

Sargeant, though, is optimistic.

“We are of course also talking about expectations behind the scenes. I also expect myself to keep progressing and improving race by race,” he said.

“And if I do that, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Williams is owned by US-based investment firm Dorilton Capital, and Bild newspaper said Sargeant himself is well-connected elsewhere in his native USA – with his uncle Harry Sargeant III said to be close to Donald Trump.

“I have the support of the board and the team boss,” Logan declares.

As for his role representing the United States in F1, he added: “It’s definitely a privilege and an honor. I want to do my best to always represent my country well, but I also try not to think about it too much.”