The rumors have resurfaced with a vengeance after the crash of the Williams driver in Zandvoort. Logan Sargeant could finally be replaced this weekend at the wheel of the W14. The two candidates in the running according to the latest reports would be Liam Lawson and former Haas driver Mick Schumacher.
If Christian Horner has already expressed that he would be willing to let his reserve driver take the race, Toto Wolff now offers his support to Mick Schumacher. If the German has already had the chance to drive in Formula 1, for the team principal, he deserves a new opportunity to compete with Williams.
A new accident that does not work in his favor.
The Netherlands Grand Prix for Logan Sargeant took an unusual turn this weekend. While it was marked by an accident during the third free practice session in the rain, the driver was unable to participate in the qualifying session. During the incident, the American driver lost control of his Williams, which led to him going off track and a violent impact with the barriers. Fortunately, Logan Sargeant emerged unscathed from the accident, but his car suffered significant damage and caught fire, rendering it unable to participate in the next session.
On race Sunday, Logan Sargeant finally finished in sixteenth place. A result that only fueled speculations about his future. The American, who will already have to give up his seat to Carlos Sainz next year, could leave earlier than expected. At least, that’s what several media outlets are already reporting. With 9 races still to go, Williams could call on Mick Schumacher, former Formula 1 driver, and Liam Lawson, Red Bull reserve driver.
In the past, James Vowles, Williams team director, had announced that a driver change could take place in the middle of the year. If the projection did not happen during the summer break, it may be at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza that the American driver will be able to say goodbye to his position.
Mick Schumacher, the ideal candidate?
The son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher could be a candidate to take Logan Sargeant’s seat at the end of the season. Since leaving Haas at the end of the 2022 season, the driver has not had a full-time contract in Formula 1. While he is currently thriving in the WEC Endurance with Alpine, he has not forgotten his roots. Since his departure, the German driver has been Mercedes’ reserve driver. While he has had some private tests, he has not yet hit the track in an official race.
The rumors of the replacement of the Williams driver have reached Toto Wolff’s ears. Interrogated on the matter during the Grand Prix of the Netherlands, the team principal expressed his desire. “I really hope that Mick will have his chance because we have not yet seen the real Mick,” he declared. “You don’t win in F4, F3, and F2 without having performance in F1… I think he deserves a chance.”
However, the speculations that are currently circulating are nothing compared to the opinion of the main people concerned. The information, which is not official for the moment, might not be James Vowles’ intention. Nevertheless, if his rival were to come knocking at the door, Toto Wolff would be willing to let his driver go. « If the opportunity arises at Williams, it is something we would support. But it is James Vowles’ decision,” he confirms.
At the moment, neither Logan Sargeant nor James Vowles have reacted, but if the possibility is not to be ruled out, there is no indication that he will give up his place. In the meantime, the American can only hope to stay until the end of the season. Especially since he finished only two places behind his teammate. With the confirmed arrival of Carlos Sainz for the upcoming seasons, the team could want to keep its second driver until the end.
