Mick Schumacher and Liam Lawson are the leading contenders to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams. Mercedes have ruled out Kimi Antonelli as an option, with the Silver Arrows already committed to a clear schedule for the 18-year-old. This leaves Schumacher, Mercedes reserve driver, and Lawson, Red Bull junior, as the remaining options for Williams.
Kimi Antonelli off the table
It would be a stretch to say that Williams have definitively decided to replace Sargeant mid-season. The American driver’s future is not yet sealed, with James Vowles still considering his next steps.
Still, the chances of a new driver partnering Alex Albon next weekend in Monza are considerable. Talks are already underway behind the scenes as the Grove-based team evaluates its options.
When it first emerged that Vowles was running out of patience with Sargeant, there were suggestions that Kimi Antonelli could be a surprise substitution.
However, Toto Wolff says this will not happen. The Mercedes team principal’s plans for Antonelli – understandably – do not involve a shock stint with Williams, especially since Antonelli is still racing in Formula 2.
More test sessions are in store for the 18-year-old, whose 2025 Mercedes contract could be announced next week.
Schumacher and Lawson firmly in the race
This leaves Liam Lawson and Mick Schumacher as the most likely drivers to replace Logan Sargeant.
Initially, Mick Schumacher was most frequently mentioned as the most likely choice. Due to a combination of his F1 experience, availability and ties with the Silver Arrows, the 25-year-old is firmly in the mix.
There can be no question that Toto Wolff would like to see Schumacher get another chance in F1. With Audi still deciding on their 2025 line-up, spending several races at Williams could provide a last opportunity for Schumacher to convince teams he deserves a contract.
However, though Schumacher was initially regarded as the favourite, Liam Lawson is also a strong contender.
Lawson’s record in Formula 1, though brief, is extremely impressive. He managed to secure points in similarly unforgiving circumstances when he arrived at VCARB halfway through last year’s campaign.
Assuming he reaches even a similar level for Williams this year, Lawson could make crucial contributions. As Williams fight Alpine for 8th in the standings (with an upgraded package that seems more competitive), the 22-year-old could be a relatively safe option.
Red Bull would not stand in the way of this move, with the Austrian team willing to send Lawson on loan.
Of course, there are contractual details and technicalities to address behind the scenes. Still, Lawson has just as good a chance as Schumacher to drive in the FW46.
If James Vowles decides to make a swap, the team’s next steps will be announced relatively soon.
