Negotiations for the potentially vacant Williams seat have intensified in recent days. Logan Sargeant’s days at Grove could be numbered, with James Vowles seriously evaluating alternatives to the 23-year-old. As it stands, Mick Schumacher is emerging as the front-runner to join the team mid-season – as Liam Lawson’s chances decline.
Mick Schumacher inches closer to Williams seat
The most convenient option for Williams
The last eighteen months have been difficult for Mick Schumacher. Since being replaced at Haas, the German driver has worked to find a path back into Formula 1. The potential opening being created at Williams represents his best opportunity.
Of course, Schumacher is still working to secure a full-time contract for 2025. He is one of several drivers on Audi’s extensive shortlist. With this in mind, joining Williams for the remaining nine rounds of the season could be a great way for him to showcase his talents to the German manufacturer.
If he cannot secure another spell in F1 machinery, convincing Audi to sign him over the likes of Gabriel Bortoleto will be extremely difficult.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, is pushing for Schumacher to get this opportunity. The 52-year-old tried convincing Vowles to sign his reserve driver around this time last season.
Although the Williams boss opted to keep Sargeant last year, the circumstances for a swap have become far more favourable.
Mick Schumacher is now the favourite to join the Grove-based team. Not only is he one of the few readily available drivers, but Mercedes can exert their influence to push this deal through.
Whilst there are other options available, at least on paper, few are as straightforward as giving the seat to a Mercedes reserve driver. For a team who have already been involved in plenty of controversy this year, Mick Schumacher is undoubtedly the ‘safer’ option.
Liam Lawson deal could be too complex
As mentioned previously on LWOS, James Vowles has shown interest in putting Liam Lawson behind the wheel. However, reaching a deal with the Red Bull driver is relatively complex.
Christian Horner has previously emphasised that any loan spell for Lawson will only happen on Red Bull’s terms. It is understood that Red Bull would only agree to send Lawson to Williams under the condition they can recall him at their discretion.
In short, Red Bull wants the option to put Lawson in VCARB if they decide to replace Sergio Perez in the coming weeks and months.
Understandably, this condition would be an unnecessary headache for Williams. There seems little sense in putting someone in the car who could be taken away within a few rounds.
Because of this, Lawson’s chances of joining the Grove-based team are declining.
