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Logan Sargeant crashed into a wall and out of the Dutch Grand Prix a day after making history by qualifying in tenth position on the starting grid. The American became the first U.S. driver to start a race in the top ten for 30 years following a fine lap around a rain-soaked course Saturday.

Sargeant, 22, ended up in the barrier at sector two on lap 16. After the crash, the race was yellow-flagged, and a safety car went out onto the track. The American confirmed afterwards over the team radio that he was OK and did leave the crash unaided.

Before the incident, the Williams driver had already been lapped and was trailing in 20th place. The team opted against pitting to change tires following the sudden onset of  inclement weather in the early stages.

It was the second time this weekend that he crashed into the wall in the Netherlands. The F1 rookie went out of qualifying after making it through to Q3 for the first time in his career and inadvertently eliminated Lewis Hamilton early.

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After that first crash, Sargeant had mixed emotions. “It’s disappointing, obviously, never want to leave the team with a damaged car, and one that’s pretty damaged as well, so that’s the disappointing part

“But plenty of positives going through qualifying, I think Q1 was good. When it was all on the line in Q2, I was able to put a lap in as well to transfer to Q3.

“But we felt good all week, and I felt good in the drive yesterday, but I touched the white line, which must have been wet, so there’s really no saving it. Disappointed and sorry to the team.”

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The American was also confident about the race itself. “I think my race pace yesterday, my long-run pace was really good,” Sargeant added. “I’m happy with where the car was at.

“Obviously, we’ll have to rebuild it overnight, so, hopefully, we can get it as close as where we had it the past few days for tomorrow, and reset and go again.”

He apologized over the team radio after the crash. However, despite resetting overnight, his day ended in the same fashion to complete a weekend full of conflicting feelings for the American.

Ultimately, in finding the speed to qualify tenth for the first race back following the summer, Sargeant should be pleased personally. But, in failing to finish a race again, the rookie still has plenty to learn when it comes to racing on a Sunday.

For Williams, they move on to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix next weekend. That will provide Sargeant with an immediate opportunity to bounce back and continue learning on the job during his first season in F1.

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