Formula 1 is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and the teams know it. For this reason, Williams Racing has presented a specific livery in the days leading up to the Grand Prix to be held in Austin.
The Serie Drive to Survive Netflix has achieved what Bernie Ecclestone could not achieve after decades of effort: popularize Formula 1 in the United States.
After several years without appearing in the country of the stars and stripes as a result of the ridicule of Indianapolis 2005, the queen category returned in 2012 thanks to the Austin circuit. And now the United States has three confirmed events on the Formula 1 calendar: the one already mentioned in Texas, Miami and Las Vegas.
It is no wonder, therefore, that teams see the US market as increasingly important to their business interests and Williams has been keen to take advantage of this in the form of special livery prior to the United States Grand Prix which takes place this weekend.
Loading tweet…
1582752354352656384
Logan Sargeant will be in Free Practice 1
The livery is spectacular and sure to please American fans, but unfortunately everything indicates that it will not make it to the circuit and will remain in the show car that has been unveiled in Austin.
What will be a reality is the presence of an American pilot in the first free practice session on Friday. Logan Sargeant, pilot belonging to the Williams development program, will make his debut at the controls of the FW44.
The 21-year-old Floridian has competed this year in the Formula 2 and will continue to develop while awaiting an opportunity as a starter in the premier class. Although not likely, it could still arrive in 2023, as Williams has yet to confirm the driver who will accompany Alexander Albon next year, since Nicholas Latifi has already announced that he will not continue with the team.
Logan Sargeant won’t be the only non-regular in Austin, as the Spanish Álex Palou will get on the McLaren, Robert Shwartzman will do it with the Ferrari, Antonio Giovinazzi with the Haas and Theo Pourchaire with the Alfa Romeo. This is because the FIA requires a young driver to ride at least two sessions of the season in each team.
Photos: Williams Racing