Williams consider a mid-season swap for Logan Sargeant as unforced errors persist
When Williams announced Carlos Sainz’s contract in the summer, it spelled the end of Sargeant’s F1 future. Sargeant will not find a place on next year’s grid, with the 23-year-old failing to attract interest from other teams. However, to make matters worse, there are reports that Williams could replace Logan Sargeant before this year ends.
For some time now, it has been clear that Sargeant was not a part of Williams’ long-term plans. Team principal James Vowles has even revealed that negotiations with Sainz started at the end of 2023.
Still, Sargeant’s results this year have done little to improve his chances. He is yet to out-qualify teammate Alex Albon and has failed to score points this season.
More significantly from the Williams perspective, the American has committed too many unforced errors. He crashed on several occasions in Japan, whilst a crash also forced him to retire from the Canadian GP.
His incident in today’s FP3 session, whilst a setback in normal circumstances, could not have come at a worse time.
Williams brought their largest update package of the year this weekend, meaning that Sargeant destroyed a huge number of fresh components. Albon’s Q3 appearance is evidence the latest FW46 specifications are effective.
James Vowles considers alternatives to Sargeant
At previous events this year, such as the Imola GP, James Vowles has dropped small hints that a mid-season swap is on the cards.
Whilst never directly confirming this possibility, there have been several hypotheticals swirling around Williams in recent months.
However, as reported by AMuS, Vowles is now seriously considering making a change. The Grove-based outfit is assessing the option of replacing Sargeant before the season ends.
With Kimi Antonelli expected to be announced as a 2025 Mercedes driver next week in Monza, it seems plausible the 17-year-old could be a candidate.
That said, other drivers are currently seen as more likely candidates. Mick Schumacher, who was previously linked to Alpine’s F1 seat, has been mentioned as a possibility.
Liam Lawson should not be written off either, with the 21-year-old eager to get behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Although Williams cannot offer Lawson a full-time seat next year, they could give him another opportunity in F1 machinery before Red Bull decides on their 2025 line-ups.
Whilst nothing is decided at this stage, there is no denying that Logan Sargeant is in a precarious position.
For James Vowles, the financial and competitive consequences of retaining Sargeant could outweigh the risks of putting a surprise name in the car.
