EXCLUSIVE: Axed F1 star makes 'aggressive' Las Vegas Grand Prix claim

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GPFans Exclusive

EXCLUSIVE: Axed F1 star makes 'aggressive' Las Vegas Grand Prix claim

The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns this weekend

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Wednesday 20 November 2024 12:56

Former Williams driver Logan Sargeant has described the scheduling for the Las Vegas Grand Prix as 'aggressive', stating that Formula 1 can improve their calendar in future years.

Vegas returns for another year this weekend as it kicks off the first of three races that will conclude the season in a gripping triple-header.

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American racer Sargeant, however, will not take part in the race after Williams made the decision to replace him mid-season with rising star Franco Colapinto.

In 2023, the American qualified in P7 for lights out in Sin City, ultimately finishing the race down in P16 come the chequered flag.

Franco Colapinto replaced the American earlier this season

'Aggressive' Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduling

Despite various teething issues with last year's Vegas GP, Sargeant has reflected fondly over one of the most talked about events in recent F1 history.

"Vegas was amazing," Sargeant exclusively told Jim Kimberley on behalf of GPFans.

Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas this weekend

"I didn't love the schedule. When you look at this year, we have Vegas and then straight into Qatar into Abu Dhabi, with time shifts and flights putting stress not only on the drivers but all team members.

"I think it's a little bit on the aggressive side, to be completely honest. It would be good if it could be scheduled slightly better. Additionally, that time of the year is particularly cold, which was a bit too cold last year for what the tyres really needed."

The 2023 race weekend got off to a bumpy start when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari suffered major damage after going over a loose drain cover.

Ferrari suffered major damage at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix

The delays went on for hours, something which the American admitted became an issue due to the already late start time.

"The late-night start times didn't help either," he said. "After FP1, when we had the drain cover issue, I didn't get back to the hotel until 6:30am.

"I think that's something that can be improved, and I believe it's already being talked about, which would be a good step in the right direction."

The race itself was enthralling, with the issues earlier in the weekend quickly forgotten due to the large number of overtakes and exciting on-track action.

"As for driving the track," Sargeant added, "I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was great; we had a quick car in qualifying there last year, and it was a cool day for the team having me and Alex right up at the front.

"I enjoyed it, other than maybe a little bit of the temperature and the timings, but other than that, I thought it was a great weekend."

Written by

Matthew Hobkinson - Lead Editor

After four years working for a Lloyd's of London insurance syndicate, lockdown gave Matt the chance to chase a career in sports journalism - he hasn't looked back. Matt has found a home here at GPFans where he can showcase the weird and wonderful world of F1 to the millions of fans around the world who are just as passionate as he is about the best sport in the world.

View full biography

Formula 1 Williams Las Vegas Grand Prix Franco Colapinto Logan Sargeant