Logan Sargeant will be racing in F1 with Williams next season alongside Alex Albon, if the young American secures his mandatory FIA superlicence.
Sargeant currently sits third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with two races to go in Abu Dhabi next month. Theoretically, that classification guarantees the points tally that would qualify the young American for the F1's special licence.
But to boost his chances just in case, Williams has assigned Sargeant to two additional FP1 outings at F1's upcoming round in Mexico and at the sport's season finale next month in Abu Dhabi.
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"We feel he’s ready to race," said Williams team boss Jost Capito at COTA on Saturday, a day after Sargeant's positive FP1 debut with the team.
"Under the condition that he has enough superlicence points, he will be our second driver next year."
The 21-year-old's promotion to F1 next season would put an American driver on the grid for the first time since Alexander Rossi in 2012. But Scott Speed was the last American to race full time in F1 in 2006-2007 with Toto Rosso.
"Logan showed a high level of understanding during his FP1 debut in Austin and provided useful feedback to help in the team’s preparations for the rest of the weekend," said Williams sporting director Sven Smeets.
"We are providing Logan further opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi to integrate himself with the team trackside in both free practice sessions and the Young Driver Test as we work hard to support Logan in his efforts towards earning the FIA Super Licence.
"It’s great that as a team we can provide invaluable time for Logan to get behind the wheel of the FW44 to continue his development as a Williams Academy Driver and harness his talents.
"We’re looking forward to seeing how Logan progresses this season and finishes out his last race of the season in Formula 2."
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