It all started with a go-kart for Christmas – Interview with Logan Sargeant

Logan Sargeant competes for Williams Racing in Formula 1 after he became Rookie of the Year in Formula 2 last year. Sargeant was born in Florida and is the only American driver in F1. We at Paddock Magazine had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the 22-year-old driver.

When and how did your racing journey start?

I started karting around 2006 or 2007 – I can’t remember. At that time, there was no motivation to get into this business. We got karts for Xmas as a gift, and we just wanted to enjoy ourselves during the weekends with my brother and dad. The motivation comes from there, and my interest has just grown. It all got a bit more serious in the last couple of years, and basically, that’s how it started.

Did you have an idol in racing?

Not in particular. I had some favourite drivers back then in the categories I followed. Jeff Gordon was one of them in NASCAR. I wouldn’t say there was anyone super in particular; it was like I wanted to be like him. It was more the journey rather than one person.

How was your transition from Formula 2 to Formula 1?

It’s always tough. There are many more variables in F1 compared to F2. The difference is enormous if you look at the steering wheel and the things we can change on the steering wheel. The cars are also much faster, and it’s more physically demanding. Everything gets more and more natural.

We got karts for Xmas as a gift.

Logan Sargeant

How could you evaluate your rookie season so far?

I think there have been highs and lows – I had some good weekends and some bad ones. As a whole, I’ve learnt a lot. Anyway, you need to go through this learning process. We need to do a better job as a team, which will make us look better.

Are you excited about the recent upgrades of the team?

Yes, definitely. The upgrades are working well, and we’re heading in the right direction. We need to ensure that we keep improving, and we’ll see where we get in the next few races.

What is the teamwork like with Alex Albon? How much can you learn from him?

Of course, Alex is very quick – no doubt. I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the first few races, and I’m so excited because of the European rounds. I want to use what I’ve learnt so far. Hopefully, we’ll get things going a little bit better, and that’s the most important.

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You’re the only F1 driver from the US; does that put extra pressure on your shoulders?

No, I don’t think so. For me, it’s all about getting better session by session and continuing to learn every race weekend. Obviously, it’s nice to be here and represent America, and I want to do it to the best of my ability. But yeah, that comes second, and the most important thing is that I keep improving.

Are you in the right place at the right time currently?

Yeah, 100%. I’ve had the support of the team by the end of 2021. That hasn’t changed; everyone wants to make it work and try to do it as well as we can. That’s our path, and we try to do our best.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Lately, it’s been playing golf. I think it’s an excellent way to get away from everything sort of, stay away from my phone for 4-5 hours, and hang out with some friends. Besides that, every chance I get to go home to Florida is always taken; get out on the boat and the water – that’s my favourite thing to do. Anything outside, try to get away from technology, I guess.

It’s going to be extremely cool.

Logan Sargeant

Your goal is to become a champion in F1. Would you like to race in other categories in the future?

I haven’t thought about it. Eventually, I’d like to race in Indy500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Those are prestigious races, and those are definitely on the list. I’m sure one day I’ll do these races.

There is already a big hype around the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is expected to be a huge show. Are you already looking forward to that event?

It’s going to be extremely cool, maybe a bit hectic. However, I’m not really thinking about it yet. I concentrate on the upcoming races; there is a long way to go till Vegas. [Laughs]

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