Sargeant to make F1 debut for Williams in Abu Dhabi test

The 20-year-old American is the latest recruit to the Williams Driver Academy after taking four podiums including a victory on his way to finishing seventh in the 2021 Formula 3 championship. 

Sargeant will get to sample Williams’ 2021 challenger - the FW43B - in next Tuesday’s post-season test as he makes his debut behind the wheel of an F1 car. 

The 2020 F3 runner-up recently conducted a seat fit at Grove and has carried out some initial running on the team’s simulator. 

“I can’t wait for my first run in a Formula 1 car and want to thank the team for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” said Sargeant. 

“I’ve been spending time in the factory at Grove and getting to grips with the simulator, which has helped me get an initial feel for the characteristics of the FW43B, but to be able to get out on track will be an incredible experience and one that I won’t forget.

“I’ll be going into the test looking to perform the best I can and to learn as much as possible from the team.”

Williams will be the only team not to run a mule F1 car during the test in Abu Dhabi, with Pirelli carrying out two days of running to test its 18-inch tyres in parallel to the young driver session. 

Newly appointed Williams sporting director, Sven Smeets, said: “I’m very much looking forward to seeing Logan in the FW43B and I’m pleased that Williams can provide him with his first outing in Formula 1 machinery. 

“I’m sure it will be a very special moment for him. Whilst we won’t be running a ‘mule car’ using the 18-inch Pirelli tyres, the test will still be beneficial for the team. It will also be an incredibly valuable opportunity for Logan to fully understand how we operate trackside. 

“I know that having such an immersive experience will only build upon his evident skill and allows the team to continue to support his development whilst capitalising on his talent.”