Logan Sargeant is targeting being more consistent next season after sensing that he started to “crack the code” during the closing stages of his rookie Formula 1 campaign.
The American newcomer ended the year having only contributed a solitary point to Williams’ Constructors’ Championship haul, which yielded seventh place in the standings.
Sargeant was comprehensively outclassed by Alex Albon, who became the first driver since himself at Red Bull in 2020 to out-qualify a team-mate in every single round.
But Sargeant did produce promising signs of improvement towards the end of the year, following up his maiden point in Austin with a seventh-place qualifying effort in Vegas.
That was enough to ensure he earned a sophomore campaign in F1, with Sargeant desperate to translate his speed more consistently during the upcoming season.
“I still think the pace I’ve had since the summer break has been strong,” Sargeant said. “I haven’t always unlocked that potential and I think that’s the next step that needs to be made.
“But the fact it’s all there is positive. And I feel like I’m starting to crack the code more and more as the season went on.
“Quali pace massively improving toward the end of the year, but in terms of race pace as well, since the summer break it’s been so, so much closer [to Albon].
“Of course I’ve been disappointed with myself at times this season, but I’ll never give up.”
Sargeant’s one point only arrived courtesy of two post-race disqualifications for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following the conclusion of the United States Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Albon accrued points on seven occasions during the year, peaking with a seventh-place finish in Canada in June – the last time Williams introduced any upgrades.
The Anglo-Thai driver’s efforts were enough to pip AlphaTauri to seventh position by only three points, but Sargeant believes the standings distorts the view of his season.
“I think Alex has been superseding this year. I think we haven’t always had a car that’s easy to score points and Alex was always a little bit ahead to make sure he scored them,” Sargeant addressed.
“I don’t think it’s always been as bad as it looks, especially since the summer break. But I’m proud of how I kept fighting over the whole year.”
While Sargeant revealed he still had “some stuff to finish up at the factory”, the 22-year-old admits that he was relishing the prospect of a break to reflect on a gruelling year.
“The best chance to learn is when you take a step back and really look back at what’s happened, look back at what you could have done better, look back at the areas that need improving,” Sargeant explained.
“And at the same time, just relaxing, let that sync in as well, whether you realise that or not, it is making a difference.
“Honestly two, three weeks to a month away from the sport is hugely beneficial for the long run.
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