Formula 1's Costliest Crashers of 2023: Logan Sargeant Leads the Pack
Logan Sargeant after one of many crashes // Sky Sports
As the 2023 Formula 1 season continues its riveting journey, drivers are feeling the heat, not just from the fierce competition but also from the severe consequences of on-track crashes.
With teams now operating under a stringent budget cap, each collision translates to a heavier financial blow. But, which drivers have set their teams back the most this season in crash damages? Let's delve in.
The top 10 drivers responsible for the steepest bills, according to a compilation by Reddit user basspro23chevy, reveals some expected and some surprise entries. It's essential to note that the figures are based on estimations, exclusive of engines and gearboxes.
Here's the rundown:
Logan Sargeant - $3.9 million
Lance Stroll - $2.6 million
Sergio Perez - $2.5 million
Pierre Gasly - $2.2 million
Alex Albon - $1.8 million
Oscar Piastri - $1.6 million
Carlos Sainz - $1.6 million
Charles Leclerc $1.5 million
Esteban Ocon - $1.5 million
Yuki Tsunoda - $1.3 million
Logan Sargeant might be wishing for a smoother season. With a series of unfortunate encounters with the barriers over the recent races, the Williams driver accrued almost $4 million in damages, a figure that overshadows the rest by a significant margin.
For the top-tier champions, the story's a bit different. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton hasn't had the brightest of seasons, grappling with the team's underperformance. Nonetheless, his driving has predominantly been unblemished. An exception occurred during a three-race spell, commencing in Miami, where Hamilton suffered a front wing damage. This was followed by a crash in Monaco's FP3 and a contentious clash with teammate George Russell during Spanish qualifiers.
But what about the driver almost synonymous with F1's prowess, Max Verstappen? Proving his mettle, Verstappen finds himself at the list's opposite end, incurring a relatively meager $200,000 in damages. Despite dominating the championship race, he's had a few blemishes - the notable Silverstone pit-wall incident and a Baku Sprint clash with George Russell being prime contributors.
As the season edges closer to its climax, the stakes continue to soar. With the dual pressures of championship points and budget caps, it'll be intriguing to see how drivers navigate the remaining tracks and the financial tightrope they tread upon.