After less than a year away from competitive motorsport, Logan Sargeant is making his return to the track, this time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The former Formula 1 driver, who competed in 36 Grand Prix with Williams and scored a single championship point, will take part in the final two rounds of the season for the LMP2 class, driving an Oreca 07 for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. For Sargeant, this marks a fresh chapter in his career and a new springboard in endurance racing.
Earlier in the year, Sargeant was set to compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) but decided against starting the season, even initially stepping away from racing entirely. After just a few months, however, the Fort Lauderdale native felt the pull of motorsport again, this time focusing on endurance racing.
Preparation begins this week with a test session ahead of the Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis. Aside from a brief stint in a Ferrari Challenge car, this will be Sargeant’s first time in a race car during the current calendar year. Despite the long break, he is confident he will quickly regain his rhythm behind the wheel.
Logan Sargeant on his decision
Sargeant has spoken about the significance of his return, outlining his reasons, ambitions, and the sporting possibilities this next phase of his career presents.
“To me, this was obviously an incredible opportunity and experience,” Sargeant told RACER. “I am really grateful to have had the chance to race in Formula 1. I had a lot of fun. It was tough, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. After that experience, which was intense, fast-paced, emotionally demanding, and physically challenging, I felt my mind needed a short break.”
He added, “I think a lot of people struggle to understand it until they are in that position. I needed time to process the experience, let my body recover naturally, and reconsider what I wanted to do next. And, of course, in the end I chose to continue racing.”
Even though he needed time away from the paddock, after being replaced by Franco Colapinto in Formula 1, Sargeant did not completely step away from motorsport.
“That period was necessary,” he continued. “I stayed in shape. I would have done that regardless of whether I was racing. I remained active, worked out in the gym, played sports, golfed, and enjoyed the things I had given up over the last ten years. And you know, even though I didn’t watch many races, I’ve started following F1 again this year.”
Several changes in plans
Reflecting on the year, Sargeant was initially scheduled to race alongside Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert for the IDEC Sport Racing team in the ELMS LMP2 Oreca No. 18. However, he ultimately decided not to commit, feeling it was not the right move at that time.
“I was extremely grateful for the opportunity IDEC offered me, and the test I did with the team last December went really well. But everything felt rushed, and the people around me didn’t fully understand my position. I didn’t sign any contract because I wasn’t yet sure where I wanted to go. I needed more time,” he explained.
Regarding his return, Sargeant added: “There wasn’t a single moment where I made a decision. In the end, it happened naturally. I began to want to race again and follow competitions this year. I reached a point where I simply knew I wanted to get back in a race car. That’s why I’m happy with the decisions I made.”
Opportunity with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports
“I was surprised at how quickly the opportunity with PR1 came about. I had a couple of conversations with Ollie Gavin, and it became clear which direction I wanted to take. I was confident we’d find something, and within a month this opportunity appeared. It’s a fantastic team, and I know they’ve achieved great results. I’m really excited to get started and meet everyone,” Sargeant said.
Speaking about the Oreca prototype he will drive in IMSA, he commented: “I feel comfortable with the Oreca. It feels natural to drive, and I enjoy it, although testing will still be important. After the Indianapolis session, I’ll do tests in Atlanta before the Petit Le Mans to get to know the track, since by then I will already have raced at Indy. I’m confident it will go well and I’ll regain my rhythm quickly.”
Perspectives and ambitions
Looking ahead, Sargeant still has his best racing years ahead of him, with abundant talent and high ambitions. Returning to Formula 1 is not currently his goal; instead, he aims to make a name for himself in endurance racing.
At present, endurance racing is thriving and offers significant opportunities for young drivers. Competing for the WEC title has never been more relevant for some of the most talented racers in the world.
“Where I’ll be in 2026 and beyond is certainly a question I’m already trying to answer,” Sargeant said. “For now, I’m focused on the two upcoming races to get back on track, and then we’ll see. We all agree that this is a great starting point. I’m open to any possibilities. I want to see what opportunities come up for next year. Later, I’d like to finish in a GTP or a Hypercar.”
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