American F1 Driver Logan Sargeant Proposes Major Tweaks for

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Former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant recently shared his perspective on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, hinting at possible improvements for future races to enhance the overall experience. Despite not participating in this year’s event, Sargeant has fond memories of competing in Vegas in 2023, where he qualified in P7 and ended the race in P16. Though his F1 contract extended through the season, Sargeant was replaced after the Dutch Grand Prix in August by rising Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. The Las Vegas GP remains one of his most memorable experiences, and he believes a few tweaks could make it even better.

Reflecting on the high-profile event in Vegas, Sargeant emphasized the excitement surrounding the race but admitted the challenging aspects of the current scheduling and conditions. “Vegas was amazing,” Sargeant told GPFans’ Jim Kimberley, though he noted that the scheduling for the Las Vegas GP could benefit from adjustments. F1’s current race calendar sees the teams moving rapidly from Las Vegas to Qatar and then to Abu Dhabi. The intense schedule and quick succession of time zones pose challenges, not only for the drivers but also for team members who endure the physical and mental strain of constant travel. Sargeant observed that it’s a “little bit on the aggressive side” and believes a less rigorous schedule would be beneficial, especially with the added stresses from the significant shifts in time zones between these events.

Another key area where Sargeant suggested improvement was the weather. He pointed out that the Las Vegas GP, held in November, brings colder-than-ideal conditions for F1 racing. In 2023, the cooler temperatures affected tire performance, as the conditions were not optimal for what the tires needed to maintain grip and function effectively on the track. Colder temperatures impact tire degradation and can lead to difficulties for drivers in terms of managing their tire wear and maintaining consistent performance.

Sargeant also discussed the impact of the late-night schedule, which he believes could be adjusted to make the event smoother for participants. The 2023 Las Vegas GP was marred by a significant delay after a drain cover incident during FP1, with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari suffering damage when it hit the loose cover. The incident resulted in hours-long delays and led to disruptions for many team members. Sargeant described how this delay affected him, explaining that he returned to his hotel at 6:30 a.m. after the first practice session. He believes that the already-late start times compounded the challenges, and he feels that a more reasonable schedule could prevent such late returns for drivers and team members. According to Sargeant, there are already discussions within F1 about adjusting the timing, which he sees as a positive step toward improving the overall experience of the event.

Despite these logistical and environmental challenges, Sargeant’s memories of racing on the Las Vegas track are positive. He recalled being pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the track was to drive, admitting that he ended up enjoying it “more than I thought I would.” In 2023, he and his teammate Alex Albon had competitive cars for qualifying, with both drivers starting near the front of the grid. Sargeant described the race day as “a cool day for the team,” and he was enthusiastic about the number of overtakes and the level of on-track action. The exciting moments and high volume of overtaking opportunities contributed to the unique appeal of the Las Vegas race, which he felt had a distinctly thrilling atmosphere despite the initial issues.

Ultimately, Sargeant acknowledges the special place the Las Vegas GP holds within the F1 calendar. While there are clear areas for improvement — from timing to temperature — he believes the event has the potential to become a standout experience in the F1 season. By adjusting the scheduling, race times, and timing within the calendar, F1 could create a more streamlined and comfortable experience for drivers, teams, and fans alike. This would help maintain the energy and excitement surrounding the Vegas race while addressing the practical issues encountered during its inaugural run.

As a US driver, Sargeant’s perspective provides valuable insight into the growing importance of the Las Vegas GP within F1’s efforts to expand in the American market. With F1 continuing to gain popularity in the US, events like the Las Vegas GP play a crucial role in solidifying the sport’s presence and attracting new fans. As F1 organizers consider these potential changes, the aim is to create an even more memorable experience for participants and spectators, helping the Las Vegas GP stand out as a marquee event in future F1 seasons.