Andretti full of admiration for talented youngster: 'Shows he belongs here'
Exclusive
- Nicole Mulder
Mario Andretti has no issue with his fellow American, Logan Sargeant, losing his Formula 1 seat, as according to the autosport legend, Sargeant not sufficiently demonstrated that he is deserving of keeping the seat. In contrast to that, the 1978 world champion is very enthusiastic about Franco Colapinto.
Andretti not sad about Sargeant's departure
Andretti likes to see American drivers at the so-called pinnacle of motorsport, but thinks first and foremost they need to earn their place in the competition. He is therefore not sad about Sargeant being replaced by Williams. "Well it is what it is. Some people have it, some people don't. And quite honestly, I don’t think he has shown to merit his continuation," the former world champion said in an exclusive interview with GPblog.
He continued: "It's all about performance, let's face it. It’s always been like that. Unless you can show… You have to be direct. He has not shown the moment of brilliance and maybe it's coming to him but he hasn't shown it yet."
Andretti enthusiastic about youngsters in F1
In the driver who replaced Sargeant, Franco Colapinto, Andretti does see a special talent, and in general, he is enthusiastic about the latest young drivers who joined or about to join the competition. "That's awesome to see. This is what the sport is all about. That's what you look forward to. Some young, new blood coming in. Colapinto, he's showing that he belongs there. He has something to deliver," the 84-year-old American continued.
"That's a beautiful thing. That speaks well, solid for Formula One to have a good, solid future, things to look forward to. That's what fans, like we are, always look forward to. Like okay, ‘let's see what this new talent will do’. They already have shown that they belong there. That's wonderful," Andretti concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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11 October 2024
