'People Think And Expect Less From American Driver' Says Sargeant

Sunday, 14 January 2024 at 03:00

The only American driver on the grid in 2023, Logan Sargeant, suggested fans think and expect less from American drivers.

Starting out as primarily European Sport, Formula One has been trying to extend its reach and spread into countries all around the World in recent tens of years.

However, it is a very slow process, and it is still quite challenging for drivers outside of Europe, mainly from America, to get into the sport.

As of 2024, 12 out of 20 drivers on the grid are from Europe. It isn't because others would be discriminated against, but the majority of junior competitions that might lead a driver to a successful career in F1 take place in Europe.

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Logan Sargeant explained in his recent interview he had to move to Europe in order to pursue his dream of racing in F1, which is not easy for anybody who lives in the United States. He also suggested he feels prejudice from many people, as he told motorsport.com:

"I think people think and expect less from an American driver. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter, because as long as the people who matter sort of know what's going on, and know what you're capable of, that's all that matters."

The start to his F1 career has not been easy for the 23-year-old who got outperformed by his teammate in every single qualifying session. He continued:

"So the external noise is just realistically completely irrelevant. You just do your job, you keep working hard, and you work with the people who can make a difference to your career, and you do your best for them."

Some people have been saying the Williams driver got his seat in F1 just because he is American and F1 is trying to expand their market in the United States. The 23-year-old wasn't able to prove them wrong with his performances in 2023, but he will have another chance this year.