3 Formula 2 drivers who could be promoted to Formula 1
By Ian Higgins
Formula 2 drivers to watch: No. 2 – Logan Sargeant (Carlin)
The United States has been waiting since 2007 for an American driver to return to the Formula 1 grid and has waited since 1978 to hear its national anthem during the podium celebrations.
Given the acquisition of Formula 1 by American-based Liberty Media and an overarching shift in marketing focus stateside, having the stars and stripes return to the grid will be critical to their corporate efforts.
Currently signed onto the Williams Driver Academy, Logan Sargeant is the most immediate hopeful for a Formula 1 seat alongside a handful of other American products in the junior categories of open-wheel racing alongside the likes of Jak Crawford (F3, Prema) and Juan Manuel Correa (F3, ART). In his final season of F3, Sargeant managed to scratch together Charouz Racing System to their highest point tally in team history.
Finishing as high as third place in his second season in Formula 3, Sargeant’s only concern regarding the promotion to Formula 2 was his funding. Contrasted with recent Formula 1 entrants who have offered substantial sums to claim their seats, Sargeant’s only financial claim can be tied to Williams Racing.
Although his ties are closest with Williams Racing, his nationality and potential sponsorships tied into it could pique the interest of a money-savvy team principal. This potential figure would almost certainly be Guenther Steiner, following the template laid out by his work between Mick Schumacher and his German sponsors to find further funding for the midfield outfit.