A rugby player’s unlikely journey from the field to Formula 1 racing started in a London pilates studio.
“It’s just crazy,” says Ben Jacobs. “I would’ve never thought while playing for the Waratahs that I would end up helping young drivers get into F1.”
Former Australian rugby player Ben Jacobs (right) with Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant.
The shire boy from Cronulla spent six years with the NSW Waratahs from 2002 to 2008 before moving to the UK to play rugby.
After he retired from professional rugby in 2016, he met driver Logan Sargeant – a client at his wife Sarah’s London pilates studio.
Sargeant, 22, has worked his way up to the Formula 1 grid – the first American to do so since Alexander Rossi in 2015.
“A lot of drivers at the time came to the studio to do pilates because it helps a lot with your core and flexibility,” Jacobs says.
Ben Jacobs charges forward with the ball for the Waratahs in a 2007 match against the Highlanders.Credit:Simon Alekna
“Logan was one of the first drivers I met and we bonded straight off the bat,” he says. “My wife always tells me it was her who got me into F1.”
Since then, Jacobs has coached 50 drivers across Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula E.
But Sargeant is the first driver he’s coached to make it to Formula 1.
“It’s his first time in Melbourne and he’s really excited,” Jacobs said.
Sargeant is a former teammate of Australian driver Oscar Piastri.
“Logan and Oscar have raced against each other in F4 and F3, they were fighting against each other, they’re both great talents,” Jacobs says.
As a performance coach, Jacobs leans on his own career as a professional rugby player.
“It’s a lot more than doing training on a daily basis,” he says. “This is quite an individual sport, you’re there by yourself and it’s quite lonely and my presence brings a family element.
Ben Jacobs (centre) played for the NSW Waratahs for six years from 2002 to 2008
“I use my wealth of knowledge being an ex-professional from my rugby background, like the dedication and the sacrifices you need to do to become the best of the best at your sport.”
Sargeant, who left Florida at a young age, spends a lot of time with the Jacobs family – they have two children – in London.
“My son calls him ‘older brother’ and he comes around all the time,” says Jacobs. “I feel like I’m his surrogate dad, it makes our bond stronger.”
Sargeant, who drives for Williams, will hit the Albert Park Circuit for qualifiers on Saturday. Jacobs says the pair don’t have any pre-race rituals.
“Logan being American, he sometimes gets fired up and me being from Australia I’m more relaxed and chill.
“Hopefully, our car suits this track.”
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