Logan Sargeant qualified P14 at the Hungarian Grand Prix after mixed weather conditions that kept everyone on their toes, locking out the seventh row with his teammate Alex Albon in P13.
He got through Q1 despite a brush with the barrier in turn one from a lock up that forced the team to quickly repair the suspension. Sargeant set a time of 1.17.770 on his first flying lap, placing him P7 behind Norris. Soon the red flag was waved for the crash of Sergio Perez in the Red Bull.
The American did not improve on his second flying lap in Q1 but got through in P14.
“Firstly, I was really happy with my first lap when it was spitting. I was not too happy with the next one.
“But an exceptional job by the team to get the car turned around, and most importantly, it felt in perfect condition. I don’t know if it was exactly, but it definitely felt like it was.”
Sargeant posed a timing of 1.17.092 on his first flying lap in Q2 placing him P12. But he dropped to P14 in the end.
The American talked about how the traffic in Q2 was a big disruption from setting a clean lap that could have potentially gotten him into Q3.
Although there was no blocking, drivers can cleverly interrupt a lap of their rivals by hanging in dirty air a couple of corners ahead, even if they are off the racing line.
The Floridian suggested he’ll do the same in the future.
“We had a lot more. We all know how to play the game.
“I have to go through about eight cars through the lap, and everyone waits a couple corners too long to get out of the way.
“I don’t personally do that, but it sets a precedent going forward.
“I’m just disappointed because I’m disappointed for myself and everyone on the team because we’ve done a good job this weekend.
“We’ve had more in the car. It’s disappointing not to get everything out of it for something that’s not in mine or their control.”
Moving forward for Sunday, Sargeant talks about the changes made to the car suited more for the race to fight for points than qualifying.
“I think everything’s in the right direction. I think we made some changes that weren’t perfect for qualifying but should help tomorrow. So I’m hoping that pays off.
“I just wish I could have seen what we really had in Q2. I feel good. I’m driving well.”
