Ex-F1 driver reveals Sargeant survival advantage

Logan Sargeant’s continued support from the Williams team is a key indication that he will retain his seat in Formula 1, believes ex-F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa.

Sargeant was promoted to the Williams team this year following a season in Formula 2 and was praised for his early performances alongside Alexander Albon.

However, the American driver has endured a more difficult run of late, crashing on numerous occasions at recent race weekends.

The difficult stretch has led to questions over his future in F1, while the second Williams seat is the last to be confirmed on next year’s grid.

However, de la Rosa believes that Williams’ public support for the 22-year-old can deliver him the confidence he needs to boost his performances.

“I think that the situation with Logan is quite clear to me,” he told the F1 Nation podcast.

“He has the backing from the team, the support from everyone at the Williams team, they're all trying to help him find the consistency he needs.

“When you, as a racing driver, feel that level of support, it makes your life a lot easier.

“He’s under pressure, for sure. But he has the backing from the team.”

De La Rosa details own lack of team backing

De la Rosa detailed a similar situation that he found himself in 2006, when he was brought in mid-season at McLaren to replace Juan Pablo Montoya.

The Spaniard said he never felt he had the backing from the Woking-based squad with a young Lewis Hamilton waiting in the wings.

“I remember in 2006, when I was I was replacing Juan Pablo Montoya, I was never given more than one Grand Prix at the time,” he said.

“After each Grand Prix, I was told, you will have another opportunity, you will have another opportunity. Lewis Hamilton was waiting on the bench to replace me.

“That was making me very anxious. I think that really cost me a lot of speed, I would say your confidence.

“With Logan, it's very different. He has the team confidence, backing and support. James Vowles is very good at that as well. He knows how to treat young drivers.

“So I'm very confident that Logan will manage to keep his drive for next year.”