Logan Sargeant feels time zones are Formula 1‘s biggest hurdle it has to clear to keep its growing American fanbase after a huge rise in the sport’s popularity in North America.
Sargeant, who became the first American driver to compete in the sport since Alexander Rossi in 2015, enjoys the support of an enlarged fanbase helped by Netflix‘s show Drive To Survive and three American races in a season.
F1‘s boom in popularity in America has even attracted the interest of Hollywood, with Brad Pitt set to star in a new film based around the sport.
“I think they’re doing everything they can,” Sargeant told exclusively Total-Motorsport.com. “You have Netflix, you have three US Grand Prix, they are all extremely in demand. Hopefully, I can help add to that [popularity].
“I don’t know about the movie, but it will be good once it’s back on track. That’s also a step in the right direction.
“I honestly think the biggest challenge is the time zone when F1 is not racing in America. That’s their biggest problem.”
IndyCar stars Kirkwood and Herta could make the jump
Although Sargeant remains the lone American on the F1 grid, Colton Herta has previously been linked with a switch from F1 to IndyCar.
Herta and his Andretti Autosport teammate Kyle Kirkwood have previously raced in Europe’s junior categories, are some of the quickest members of IndyCar‘s next generation and have won races in the series.
Alfa Romeo nearly secured the services of Herta for 2022 as part of Michael Andretti‘s failed takeover bid of the Swiss outfit before the deal’s failure caused the Californian to remain in IndyCar.
“I think it’s always going to take time to adapt no matter what car that you get into, but that’s normal,” said Sargeant when asked whether Herta or Kirkwood could transition to F1.
“That’s the same for anyone, to be honest. I’m really good friends with Kyle. I know he’s an amazing driver. I would never say he can’t do anything.
“I would never say that about Colton, either. I think they’re great drivers, and I think they have the potential to do great things as well.”
