Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

Sign of the Times | Logan Sargeant

Authors Note: Someone wanted Logan so here he is! I had some extra time today, so double update 😊 

Done in 3rd person POV! 
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Media days were Logan's least favorite part of a race weekend. For him it was like a constant reminder that he was classified as "other." The only American, the only one of the 'outside' of F1 friendships, the 'other' William driver. It was all starting to become to much for him. 2024 was not good to Logan thus far and he was starting to loose faith in himself.

He was constantly pondering at the thought 'was I meant to stay in this sport?' His mental health was at its wits end, and he was pushing himself to force a smile on his face every race weekend. They were now in Canada for the GP and Logan was preparing to sit in on a press conference with some of the other drivers. 

Logan was seated on the couch next to Carlos and Lance. The three drivers were engaged in light conversation while waiting for the conference to start. As Carlos dazed out, which was pretty common, Lance was asking Logan about his summer break plans. Logan always got along with Lance, as they shared a similar situation when it came to how F1 supporters hated on them. Lance was always hated on for being a nepo baby with a paid seat, while Logan was hated on for his 'poor performances' and how he didn't deserve his seat Logan knew that real fans would never bad talk the drivers, especially not knowing what they go through. It was easy to shit talk when you sat behind a computer or phone screen making comments.

As the two continued to chat, Lando, who was a bit late, started greeting everyone as he arrived. Lando was liked by everyone on the grid, but he was especially close with Carlos, George and Max. As Lando was hovering near Carlos and chatting, Logan felt awkward, like he was intruding by sitting next to Carlos. He scooted over, allowing Lando to slide in between the two, without so much as a 'thank you' from him. He once again felt pushed aside.

Logan didn't dislike Lando, it was the opposite actually. He yearned to be accepted like him, to be friends with most drivers on the grid. Lando was always goofing around the paddock with other drivers while Logan watched. Logan always felt like 'other' as one of the only American drivers. All the others were mainly from Europe, residing in Monaco during the off season. 

He knew lots of them got together during off weeks, breaks and holidays. Logan never felt like he belonged, hell only a handful of the drivers followed him on Instagram, something that bothered him more than he cared to admit. His own teammate wasn't even that close with him. Sure he and Alex got along but Logan always knew he was referred to as the '2nd driver'. In moments like these, Logan was grateful for his friendship with Oscar, having basically grown up with him. Whenever he felt down or needed a laugh, he'd catch up with Oscar. Oscar understood how Logan felt with his imposter syndrome of being an F1 driver. 

As the press conference begun, the more popular drivers got most of the questions, as per usual. He rarely got any fascinating questions about his driving or his team during press conferences. One time a reporter had the nerve to ask how Logan got signed to extend his contract to 2024 after a questionable 2023 season, which wasn't fair since it was his rookie season. 

"The next question is for Logan" which caused him to immediately perk up. He hoped the question was about the upgrades the team had for the weekend or about how the team scored points in the last GP.

"Do you think Williams will extend your contract into 2025? Spectators have been saying that your performance and multiple crashes say otherwise, and your teammate just announced his contract extension, how do you feel about that?." 

Logan felt the back of his neck burn up, bile forming in his throat from the embarrassing  question. He felt his hand start to shake, the microphone almost slipping out of it. He couldn't believe the reporter had the nerve to ask that question. He shot his PR manager a look before attempting to swallow back his emotions and try to answer professionally. He looked around the room at all the other drivers angry faces in regards to the disrespectful question from the reporter. He felt appreciative that everyone felt the same way he did. 

He didn't even get a chance to response before Lewis spoke up out of nowhere. "First of all, I think it's incredibly disrespectful to make a comment like that. Logan is an excellent driver and people are quick to talk without having any experience driving a formula one car. Secondly, for just 23 years old and this only being his second year in F1, I think he's doing an amazing job and he doesn't need anyone bashing him as he's trying his best. As someone who has seen the highs and lows of this sport, I will not stand for anyone bad mouthing any of the drivers on the grid, not when we all worked so hard to get here."

The reporter sat there in shock, his mouth hanging open, as he did not expect that response...especially from THE Lewis Hamilton. Logan was in awe, as was everyone else in the press conference. He hardly shared any interactions with the seasoned Mercedes driver, but every time they did have the opportunity to chat, Lewis was always supportive and encouraging towards him. The looked around seeing the other drivers nodding their heads in agreement with Lewis. 

"Th..th..thank you Lewis. I am incredibly happy for Alex to have extended his contract, he deserves it. As for myself, my only hope is that I can do my best and prove my worth to the team. I only want to make myself and my fans proud by doing the best I can. That's all the comments I have on this topic, thank you. Next question."

Logan wasn't asked any other questions during the remainder of the conference. The other drivers were short with their responses, clearly still upset by how Logan was treated. As they concluded lots of them patted him on the back as they exited, a sign of comfort and support. He felt good knowing that someone stood up for him, as he didn't expect it. He finally felt like he belonged. 

As Lewis was heading back to Mercedes, Logan stopped him to thank him for his interruption and kind words. "Listen kid, don't let anyone ever bring you down. This sport takes enough out of us, there are good days and bad days. I've seen what racing can do to people and their mental health. Just know you're not alone, even when you think you are. My drivers door is always open if you need something."

Logan in that moment felt better than he had all season. He felt seen, heard. He again thanked Lewis and shook hands with him before heading back to the Williams garage. As he was walking through the paddock, he noticed a few Williams fans calling out to him, which was a rarity these days.

"Logan, Logan! Over here! I'm your number one fan, can I get a picture with you please?" he saw a little boy calling out to him. 

Seeing the little boy wearing his cap and shirt made it all worth it for Logan in that moment. He decided he wouldn't let the negative comments get to him. He was here to do his best and prove himself. There was no time to give up. Today was a sign that everything would be okay.

Logan would be okay. He smiled and for the first time in a while, it felt like a genuine smile.

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Why did this low-key make me emotional? I feel like Logan never gets the love he deserves.