After days of speculation, Williams announced Franco Colapinto as the driver to replace Logan Sargeant. This ended the uncertainty about Sargeant’s future that dominated F1 news after his FP3 crash. However, it has been revealed that Williams first contacted the Argentine before Sargeant’s crash.
Franco Colapinto was first approached last Friday
Williams were already evaluating alternatives
As mentioned previously on LWOS, the first whispers of a mid-season swap at Williams emerged well before last weekend.
It was actually several months ago that rumours spread about Sargeant being replaced before the end of 2024.
Of course, this scenario was never considered as likely. However, it is worth noting that James Vowles hinted at a possible mid-season driver change some time ago.
Speaking to Fox Sports Argentina, one of Franco Colapinto’s representatives (Maria Catarineu) revealed that Williams first entered discussions with the Argentine on Friday night.
This means that Sargeant’s future was already at risk before his crash on Saturday morning:
“Well, we knew it could be possible on Friday night,” Catarineu explained.
When asked if Sargeant’s FP3 incident triggered discussions, she emphasised that “Williams contacted us on Friday night,” the day before the incident.
Catarineu, who works for Bullet Sports Management, then outlined how things progressed on Saturday:
“On that day, [several hours] after Sargeant’s accident happened in the morning… he [Colapinto] showed us a message [from Williams].
“The message said – ‘Can we talk?’ – and obviously there was a conversation.”
Colapinto capitalises on an unlikely opportunity
These quotes serve as evidence that Logan Sargeant has been on thin ice for several months.
Despite the vote of confidence he received last year, the American’s position has clearly been in jeopardy since the start of 2024.
James Vowles first showed his ruthlessness at the Australian GP, when he withdrew Sargeant from the race after Albon crashed in Free Practice.
In hindsight, this decision was an early indication of the team’s dwindling faith in the 23-year-old.
This leaves Franco Colapinto with the task of contributing to a highly competitive constructors’ battle.
Williams have only collected four points this season, so expectations should be relatively low for Colapinto.
Observers are unlikely to demand results from a driver who was abruptly put into an F1 seat halfway through the season.
However, this is not to say Colapinto cannot perform well.
Currently 6th in the F2 standings in his rookie season, the Argentine is a driver with clear potential.
Colapinto drove for Williams in FP1 at the British GP this year, in addition to last year’s post-season test.
Of course, his mileage in F1 machinery is limited. That said, the 21-year-old will have some experience – however limited – to draw upon.
Based on the pace Alex Albon showed in qualifying last weekend, the updated Williams FW46 could be in contention for points moving forward.
The upcoming Italian GP is traditionally a strong track for the Grove-based team.
If Franco Colapinto can even come close to achieving points this year, his 9-race stint will almost certainly be deemed a success.
