Alex Albon believes that his beleaguered Williams teammate Logan Sargeant has the speed and talent to remain in F1, insisting the young American “doesn’t get the credit he deserves”.
Sargeant was promoted to F1 this season after a full year in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2022, having finished fourth in the competitive feeder series.
But it’s been a difficult rookie campaign for the 23-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who remains the only driver on the grid who has yet to score a championship point this season.
Sargeant’s track record has suffered so far from a lack of consistency and several costly crashes. But in Qatar, Williams team boss James Vowles reiterated his support for his drive although he admitted that he’ll need to raise his game to earn his seat for 2024.
Albon reckons that Sargeant’s talent and speed are genuine, but they are overshadowed by the sum of his mistakes.
"I can see his performance. I do think he doesn't get the credit that he deserves,” commented Albon.
"There is a lot of speed and talent within Logan. I think it's just been a little bit offset with a couple of mistakes that he's had.
"But I get on very well with him and I think he just needs a bit more time and confidence - and he'll get up there."
Sky F1 pundit Nico Rosberg is less optimistic about Sargeant’s chances of retaining his seat with Williams next year.
“Logan Sargeant is another one of those drivers who’s on shaky ground and really needs to prove himself, but he’s been making too many mistakes,” said the 2016 F1 World Champion.
“So honestly I think it’s going to be difficult for him to retain that seat for next year, especially because Albon is doing such a phenomenal job.”
With five races left on the docket, it will be crucial for Sargeant to not only perform well but also to remain out of trouble.
Until the checkered flag is brandished in Abu Dhabi next month, the American will be given the benefit of the doubt.
“I suspect it’ll be to the end of the season,” said Vowles when asked when he would make a definite call on Sargeant’s F1 future with Williams.
“I think we’ve already committed to the direction of travel we’re in, he has targets for that, and it’d be wrong to go against that decision point. So end of the year.”
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