Logan Sargeant under pressure, Ocon could replace him as soon as the summer break

The future of Logan Sargeant at Williams in Formula 1 seems uncertain. With recent rumors about a future in Indycar, the American driver is not sure to stay on the grid next year, not even until the end of the season.

While Sargeant was at the doorstep of scoring points at Silverstone, things seem to be getting more complicated for him especially after the recent comments from the team principal, James Vowles, who might be considering someone else after the break. According to rumors, Ocon is the top potential candidate.

A desire for change

With Alex Albon already having a long-term contract with the team, the identity of his teammate for next season remains to be confirmed by James Vowles. Names such as Carlos Sainz and Valtteri Bottas are often mentioned for a potential transfer to Williams. Similarly, the young Formula 2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli could join the team before moving to Mercedes.

Logan Sargeant, who is in his second season of Formula 1, has not managed to impose himself against his teammate Alex Albon. Despite participating in numerous races, he has only scored one point compared to Albon’s 29 and has not yet managed to outperform his team leader in qualifying for a Grand Prix. These results could lead the team to consider a replacement.

During the Silverstone Grand Prix, James Vowles indicated that a mid-season change was an option he was considering, but he wanted to first ensure that Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant have access to fair equipment. “Logan has always had the opportunity to keep his seat, it’s in his control, and I need a performance at the level of Alex, and I need him to be there every day, basically,” he had declared on Sky Sports microphone.

Logan Sargeant, who has had many difficulties with his car since joining the team, finally seems to be able to catch up. A conclusion confirmed by the Williams team manager.

« We have a responsibility as to why he wasn’t close to Albon, where we didn’t provide the right equipment, simply because of wear and tear. This has not been the case for several races now, but it remains our responsibility,” he explained. « He knows this, he wants to perform and I want to give him every possible chance, but there will be a limit where we will have to make a decision for 2025, and maybe for this year,” said.

Underperformances with which Sargeant disagrees

During the British Grand Prix, Sargeant, who finished eleventh just one place outside the points, stated that he would continue to fight to stay in Formula 1. « I have been hearing rumors from every direction for I don’t know how long, and in the end, arriving at these weekends, I give my best every time,” he communicated to the media. « Everyone in the team is working hard, and I am also here for myself. I want to prove to myself that I can continue to improve and show that I can do it. »

The performance of the American driver seems to have improved since the last few Grand Prix. This has given Logan Sargeant some confidence for the end of the season. “In my head, I know the real facts, and I know that I did a good job this season with what I had, and that’s what matters most to me,” he expressed. “Since Suzuka, I am really proud of how I have faced challenges and continued to try to keep my promises, even when I haven’t always had the car to do so. I am a fighter, I will fight no matter what happens, until the end,” he added.

Ocon expected to replace him

This is not new that Esteban Ocon will leave the Alpine team at the end of the season. With still no seat available at the moment, the French driver could well take Logan Sargeant’s place alongside Alexander Albon before the end of the year. At least, that’s what Ted Kravitz shared on Sky Sports.

For the moment, no official information has been revealed, but if the transfer were to take place, it would be an opportunity for Alpine to try out its reserve drivers Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan in real conditions. The team, which has not yet made a decision on its second driver for 2025, would therefore have the chance to consider new possibilities. Even if Briatore seems particularly interested in Carlos Sainz, if the Spaniard refuses a contract, it could offer them a way out.

For now, nothing is certain regarding the two drivers, but it seems that James Vowles is waiting to develop a more performing car, in order to give Logan Sargeant the opportunity to prove he deserves his place in the team. This could materialize during the summer break or on the contrary sign an immediate transfer. It would still be necessary for Esteban Ocon to agree to leave his place at Alpine.