Logan Sargeant, the first American driver in F1 since Alexander Rossi in 2015, had a challenging debut F1 season in 2023. In a sport where speed and skill reign supreme, Eddie Jordan, one of the richest racing drivers with a net worth of $600 million and a former team boss has launched a scathing critique against young Sargeant. He didn’t mince words, accusing the 22-year-old of leveraging American privilege rather than showcasing genuine talent.
Graduating from the Williams Driver Academy, Sargeant stepped into Formula 1 with high expectations. However, his debut season is proving to be as tough as it gets. Scoring just one point out of the 28 points scored by the team, Sargeant is facing intense scrutiny. A difficult qualifying season, marked by a 22-0 whitewash by teammate Alex Albon, further highlighted the struggles of the young American driver.
Eddie Jordan showcases need for ‘high-quality drivers’ while claiming Logan Sargeant would never make it to his team
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Even after being named the biggest underperformer of the 2023 season by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, it was Eddie Jordan’s words that echoed louder. The former F1 team boss delivered a harsh verdict, asserting that Logan Sargeant’s entry into F1 wasn’t justified, irrespective of financial backing or nationality.
“First of all, talent is something you have and you can’t buy it,” Jordan was quoted by PlanetF1 when asked if the American driver would ever have been one of his 2 drivers as part of the Formula for Success F1 2023 season review. Drawing parallels with his past driver selections like Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher, Eddie Irvine, and Rubens Barrichello, he emphasized the delicate balance between financial support and genuine skill.
“Yes, we needed somebody to help pay the bills. But it’s not absolutely imperative. Eddie Irvine is [a] case in point. But then there were other things that he brought in terms of other sponsors that helped to come as a result,” Jordan added.
“Sargeant would not be in my team. We didn’t finish outside the top five that often and we got to number three. So to do that, you need really high-quality drivers who know and you can’t rely on just one. So the answer, Sargeant, I’m afraid wouldn’t be in my team,” Eddie Jordan concluded.
As the dust settles on a difficult season for Williams and Logan Sargeant, team principal James Vowles faces a crucial decision ahead of 2024. Let’s dive deeper.
James Volwes wants to analyze Sargeant’s season before taking a call for 2024
The future of Logan Sargeant in Formula 1 currently hangs in the balance. Williams Chief James Vowles has provided insight into the team’s contemplation regarding Sargeant’s contract for the 2024 season. The 22-year-old American’s performances, especially towards the end of the season with a remarkable P7 in the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying, adds complexity to the situation.
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Our duo COOKED today 🧑🍳 pic.twitter.com/Nc2on2v1gW
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 18, 2023
Speaking to F1 briefings, James Vowles emphasized a meticulous approach to the decision-making process. “I am someone that was very clear from the beginning. I want to assess this across the season, not across one race, to make sure we make the right decision for this team and for the future of Logan as well,” Vowles explained.
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He stressed the need to analyze the entire season’s data, evaluating progress, mistakes, outliers, and growth before making a final decision. The uncertainty surrounding his retention raises an intriguing question for F1 enthusiasts. Who could potentially step in as a replacement if Williams decides not to continue with the American driver? Share your thoughts and predictions with us in the comments below.
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