Logan Sargeant replaced by Franco Colapinto for the rest of the season

Logan Sargeant’s future in Formula 1 was uncertain following several difficult seasons. After scoring just one point last year, the American driver was already facing rumors about his departure in the offseason. Although he was picked up for another 24 races, his story abruptly comes to an end after the race in Zandvoort.

Issues that persist

Logan Sargeant continued to encounter performance issues in the 2024 season. His future with the team had become uncertain during the summer break as Carlos Sainz had just confirmed his move to Williams for 2025. While up to now James Vowles had always supported the American driver, it was after 15 Grand Prix that doubts began to set in.

The pressure on the driver intensified during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort last weekend, where he had an accident during the final free practice session. The damage to his car was serious enough to prevent him from participating in the qualifying session. He was therefore forced to start his Grand Prix in twentieth position just behind his teammate Alex Albon, who was disqualified due to an illegal car.

If since the beginning of the week, rumors were announcing a possible replacement, Williams has now decided to part ways with Logan Sargeant and has signed his Academy driver, Franco Colapinto, to drive for the rest of the season. The Argentine had made his debut in the first free practice session at the British Grand Prix earlier this year. For the rest of the season, Franco Colapinto will use the number 43.

A driver who sets records

The 21-year-old Argentine will become the 49th driver to race for Williams since the team was formed in 1977. And he’s already set to make history. Franco Colapinto is the first Argentine driver in Formula 1 in 23 years, following in the footsteps of Carlos Reutemann, who raced for Williams in the 1980s. This season, he was competing in Formula 2 with MP Motorsport where he is currently in sixth place in the drivers’ championship. So far, no announcement has been made regarding his replacement at the team.

If the news doesn’t please everyone, for the Argentinian, it’s a dream come true. With only about twenty spots on the grid, racing in Formula 1 is not accessible to everyone. “It’s an honor to make my Formula 1 debut with Williams. It’s a lifelong dream,” he said. The team has an incredible history and a mission to return to the top, and I am looking forward to contributing to that. Joining F1 mid-season will be a huge challenge, but I am ready to take it on and I am fully focused on working as hard as possible with Alex and the team to make it a success.”

Williams’s decision to promote their junior driver took fans by surprise this Tuesday. Earlier in the week, Mercedes and Red Bull had put forward their reserve drivers as potential replacements for Logan Sargeant. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had pushed for Mick Schumacher to be given a chance, while Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had offered Williams the services of Liam Lawson. Although he demanded the possibility to recall the New Zealander for a seat at Red Bull or Racing Bulls, Williams ultimately chose to promote one of their own drivers.

James Vowles’ choice is motivated by his desire to prioritize the long-term development of the team. The appointment of Franco Colapinto aligns with the team’s strategy to train young talents within its Academy. As Williams prepares for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, all eyes will be on Franco Colapinto as he makes his highly anticipated Formula 1 debut. The future of the young driver will be decided in the upcoming Grand Prix where he will have two options: shine or bid farewell to Formula 1 like Logan Sargeant.