Starting on the grid at P16 and finishing P12 is something that is neither too impressive nor a disappointing outing by any means. However, if it is a rookie driver achieving that in his debut race in F1, it certainly is a fantastic start. Therefore, Logan Sargeant was rightly proud of the result he got in Bahrain and is looking to only better himself in Saudi. Needless to say, the Floridian has the full backing of American fans. Some are still coming to terms with listening to the American accent once again in the championship.
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Nicholas Latifi raced for Williams for three years. The Canadian did not show much potential and the lack of ability to score points turned out to be fatal to his F1 career. Resultantly, the Oxfordshire-based team roped in F2 driver and their driver academy graduate Logan Sargeant. Logan is the first American to race in the pinnacle of motorsport since Alexander Rossi, who competed last in 2015.
Logan Sargeant wins America’s heart despite finishing outside the points positions
One thing midfield and bottom teams look for in their drivers is maturity. That is because drivers who regularly start in the middle of the grid or from the back are often at risk of crashing at the start of the race. Logan, despite no prior experience in the top-most league, kept his composure in Bahrain and kept on building on the good start he got.
In the post-race interview with F1, he said, “Considering it’s my first race, I’m pretty happy with it. You know, I achieved everything I wanted to today. I got a clean start, a good first lap, and from there, I just settled in and did my best to maintain a good pace and make few good overtakes, worked on my pitstops and everything went smoothly. So I think it was an awesome first day in the office, and I’m really looking forward to Saudi.”
Have a look at how fans reacted to his debut race.
surreal to hear an american accent in the media pen in a long while
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
it’s so weird hearing an american accent on a driver
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
First American driver in F1 for quite some time
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
Standing in for a sick Alex Albon in the Italian GP last year, Nyck de Vries scored points straightaway. While Logan could not achieve that, he did keep a positive attitude.
If you want a masterclass in how to maintain a positive mindset, listen to this 👇🏻 well done @LoganSargeant
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
More fans backed him to perform better in the coming races. The season has just begun, after all.
Like I said, he has potential and I know @LoganSargeant & @williamsf1 will do amazing 💙
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
Some fans did not like the comparisons Sargeant drew with Latifi before replacing him.
Crazy seeing an American in F1, like honestly
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
Logan’s charm really is taking over F1 fans. His fandom will only increase from here on.
why am i starting to rly like him like i want him to do well
Logan Sargeant was pretty happy with his F1 debut ✨ #BahrainGP #F1
Before Logan, many believed Colton Herta was going to be the first American since Rossi to race in F1. However, owing to some super license technicalities, Herta could not make it into the top-flight league.
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Do you think Sargeant will soon score points that Williams desperately needs from him to draw themselves into the midfield from the bottom?