Logan Sargeant admits he “can’t wait to go racing” after a strong showing in pre-season testing.
The American rookie managed an impressive 154 laps and set the seventh best time as he enjoyed the whole of Friday behind the wheel with the new Williams FW45.
And despite the high temperatures in Bahrain, Sargeant, who steps up from F2 for this season, reported no fitness concerns.
“I think today tops the most kilometres I’ve ever done in a day,” the Floridian said. “I was able to physically hold up well.
Logan really said, “Imma take a minute”… ?#WeAreWiliams pic.twitter.com/Hpj3W4P86K
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 24, 2023
“We got through so much running which is a testament to the team and the hard work they’ve put in. We moved in the right direction the whole day and it was really positive.
“We looked at shorter runs this morning and considering where the track temp was, I was relatively happy with how the car was feeling.
“Throughout the long runs this afternoon the car was in a good window and I could drive it exactly how I wanted to.
“There are still somethings we’re chasing but I’ll leave that up to Alex [Albon] tomorrow. Overall, I’m really happy with where we’ve got the car and I can’t wait to go racing next week.”
Sargeant’s promotion is a big deal given F1’s recent boom in popularity in America in recent years, as he becomes the first driver from across the Atlantic to race since Alex Rossi in 2015.
And while Logan has a very capable teammate in Albon to guide him through his rookie season, the 21-year-old is keen to forge his own path at Williams.
“I think I have to trust myself, I have to trust my instinct and my feeling,” he said.
“If we feel we are going in different directions in terms of the set-up of the car, then I guess that’s the way it has to be. But I hope everything feels the same and we can move in the same direction.
“I plan not to rely on him too much. I feel like I have to stand up for myself and go through hard times and good times and experience all the different things. And that’s what ultimately makes you better.
“I want to make this transition as quick and easy as possible. I know there will be challenges, but hope to get a handle on them quickly.”