Formula 1: Austria a potential spark for struggling rookie?
Logan Sargeant has struggled so far as the first Formula 1 driver to represent the United States since Alexander Rossi in 2015. But this past weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix is a potential sign of improvement heading toward the second half of the season.
Nine races into the 2023 Formula 1 season, rookie Logan Sargeant has yet to score a point for Williams. Meanwhile, teammate Alex Albon has been driving superbly.
While no one necessarily expected the Floridian to be ahead of or level with Albon, he is currently only ahead of fellow rookie Nyck de Vries in the driver standings, thanks to a tiebreaker since both drivers are scoreless.
Sargeant’s early struggles this year have quickly led to rumors that he could be replaced by Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher.
But at this point, the talk is just that; rumors. However, if the 22-year-old does not show improvement as we head toward the summer break, those rumors will begin to gain traction.
Logan Sargeant has mentioned that he is looking forward to this current stretch of European tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.
These European tracks will provide some familiarity to Sargeant, as they are tracks he has seen during his time in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
Williams driver Logan Sargeant remains undeterred by the unfamiliarity of several race tracks during the early stages of his rookie season in Formula 1.
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) June 25, 2023
"I don't think it's held me back; it has been very beneficial learning. I try to get the most out of it and learn as much as… pic.twitter.com/n10NmR7j9r
This weekend’s race in Austria kicked off a stretch of six straight European circuits. It was one of Sargeant’s strongest races of his young career. He finished in 13th place and briefly ran in the points about halfway through the 71-lap race around the 10-turn, 2.683-mile (4.318-kilometer) Red Bull Ring road course.
Despite picking up a track limits penalty — like seven other drivers — Sargeant left Austria with his best finish since the season opener in Bahrain. He has proven on a few occasions that he can race and make passes as long as he can stay on the lead lap. One solid qualifying session could potentially be all he needs to snag his first points before the summer break.
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Formula 1 is set for a quick turnaround, with the British Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday, July 9. Can Sargeant keep his momentum going at Silverstone Circuit? The race is set to be broadcast live on ESPN2 starting at 10:00 a.m. ET, so begin a free trial of FuboTV now!