Photo credit: AP
Former New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, has apologised to Logan Sargeant for skipping the final American race of the Formula 1 season despite being expected to make an appearance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
November 18 marked the first time since 1982 that F1 cars have thundered around Sin City in an expensive VIP event produced by local hotels and Liberty Media, who own the sport.
It was perfect for celebrities to attend to get a taster of the racing series, but Brady wasn't one who took up the offer, disappointing Sargeant.
"I heard you were meant to be here in Vegas," Sargeant said to the NFL legend. "But we'll do you proud."
And make people proud he did, in qualifying at least. Sergeant's Williams team are one of the back-runners of the grid but the American from Florida found some extra inspiration from the final "home" race of the season for him to qualify sixth in a career-best result.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't make it, but I'm definitely going to be watching and pulling for you, man," Brady responded before offering appraisal to Sargeant's Saturday showing.
"You had a great qualifying and I know you're ready to go.
"I know this is a huge race for you. Big, kind of milestone moment for you and your career. Take it all in, my man. You don't get this too often and I know you got a big, bright future ahead. Make the most of it and just go kick some a--. Enjoy it.
"Give it your best shot, have fun, and whatever happens, man, you just got to learn from it. Win or lose, we are always in competition. We're trying to learn from the good, learn from the bad, and try to do a little better as we go."
Sargeant didn't manage to convert his qualifying position into a points finish as Williams went on to finish 12th and 16th, but it was surely an encouraging weekend for the Fort Lauderdale driver, who also scored his first career point at the United States GP in Texas a few races earlier.
When is the next F1 race?
F1 travels to the Middle East to close out the season at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The race weekend is scheduled to run from Friday November 24 to Sunday November 26, with the grand prix starting at 08:00 EST on Sunday.
