EXCLUSIVE: F1 star BULKS UP to make 'biggest change'

Grid, F1, 2023, Bahrein, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

GPFans Exclusive

EXCLUSIVE: F1 star BULKS UP to make 'biggest change'

One F1 driver feels better prepared for 2024 after building five kilos of muscle mass in the winter

Jim Kimberley

Wednesday 27 March 2024 12:57

Make us your Google favorite

GPFans sprak voor dit artikel exclusief met de betrokkenen

For a sport where the athletes spend their time competing against one another by sitting down, Formula 1 is an extremely strenuous sport.

With drivers losing up to three kilos in weight from lights out to the chequered flag, it's no surprise that fitness was at the forefront for one of the 20 stars ahead of 2024.

Article continues under video

Even though every entrant has spent a lifetime racing, you can forgive newcomers for not being fully prepared for the excessive demands of the top tier.

Williams driver Logan Sargeant revealed he bulked out with 5kg of muscle mass in the winter, but he had to wait for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to be over before altering his lifestyle.

Speaking exclusively with GPFans, Sargeant explains, "When you're in the season, it's quite hard to really make a change because you're travelling constantly, all over the place, all over the world. You're in the car constantly.

"So, when you finally get those two to three months off to really look after yourself, that's where you can make the biggest change.

"Obviously, there were plenty of things that I saw last year that I needed to improve on, so I did my best to improve on them."

After the gruelling conditions that drivers had to endure in Qatar, where Sargeant retired early from exhaustion, the American is seeking to maintain a higher fitness level for the season.

"The biggest thing now is going to be maintaining [my weight] throughout the year," continued Sargeant.

"It's very difficult. Last year, I just gradually lost weight throughout the year, so this year I'm going to pay much more attention to it and try to keep as much weight on as I can.

"I think that will ultimately lead to me feeling healthier and more energetic throughout the season."

Sargeant 'grateful' for 2024 chance

Sargeant finished 21st in the standings after his rookie season with a solitary point to his name, scored at his home US Grand Prix.

Nonetheless, Sargeant joined Williams along with the Grove team's team principal, James Vowles, and the two are embarking on their second season together.

"It [2023] didn't go the way I might have hoped," admits Sargeant, "But, James Vowles' confidence in me or seeing something in me... led to the renewal of the seat.

"I think it goes back further than just 2023. Since the end of 2021, I've been a part of the team and the family.

"For sure, there were moments that weren't so good last year, but there were also some good moments, and it was tracking better throughout the season.

"I'm just grateful to have another chance. I haven't really thought of it as repaying the faith or a second chance sort of season.

"I see it as another opportunity to try and be better this year than last year and make their decision worth it.

"From a personal point of view, be a better, more consistent driver."

Mercedes Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Logan Sargeant