Logan Sargeant believes that American drivers are not being fairly evaluated

Logan Sargeant arrived in Formula 1 during the 2023 season. This transfer to Williams allowed the Florida-born driver to become the first American driver since Michael Andretti in 1993. After a season spent in the paddock, the rookie noticed that American drivers had less credibility among motorsports fans.

“I think people expect less from an American driver,” testified the Williams pilot. “I believe there are many obstacles for Americans to enter F1. It’s not easy to take control of your life, move to Europe, and race abroad. It costs a lot of money. It is much easier to race in America. You obviously have excellent options between IndyCar and NASCAR. It’s not an easy decision for anyone. I have the impression that’s why I think, especially when I arrived, there were very few American drivers even attempting to access F1.”

Sergeant did not focus on the criticisms.

In his very first season in Formula 1, Logan Sargeant only scored one point in the championship. This small personal victory was obtained in his home country, during the Grand Prix of the Americas. Throughout 2023, he showed several difficulties and made several mistakes. His performances contrasted with a very solid season from Alexander Albon. The Thai driver recorded 27 points and carried the team. Logan Sargeant faced this comparison all year despite being a rookie. Furthermore, Williams only announced his contract extension at the very end of 2023. This situation earned him criticism for his performances and prejudices based on his nationality. However, Logan Sargeant claims to not have been disturbed by these attacks.

“The external noise is absolutely irrelevant,” stated the American. “You simply do your job, keep working hard, and collaborate with the individuals who can make a difference in your career, giving your best for them. It also helps you move forward. All you can do is respond through performance. The rest is of no importance.”

Logan Sargeant is convinced that Formula 1 is increasingly opening up to American drivers. The 23-year-old athlete believes that in the future, there will be more American drivers on the grid. “I look at the list of karting now and there are a lot more Americans, and that’s positive,” he said. “I think in the future, you will see more of them in F1 and I hope others can make it there.”

An increasingly Americanized F1.

Formula 1 continues to gain ground in the United States. The new continent has long been overlooked by organizers. The North American audience did not show much interest either. However, everything has been changing for a while. The series Drive to Survive certainly played a role in that. The success has been global, and the United States has not been left behind. The format has generated interest, and most importantly, a new audience.

The opening in the United States is also happening within the paddock itself. In 2016, Haas arrived as the only team from the country. It was also the only Americanized element in Formula 1. A few seasons later, in 2024, there are now three races in the United States and a driver from Florida. During these three races, the show has also adapted to the country, with atypical ceremonies highly appreciated by North American residents. Lastly, Andretti hopes to enter the championship with a General Motors engine.

Formula 1 is evolving, and this time, the United States is beginning to take center stage in the new project.