Williams doesn’t have a real plan B if Logan Sargeant doesn’t obtain his Super License
The British team is banking on the Formula 2 driver for the 2023 season, even though he is not yet guaranteed to obtain his Super License, which is required for him to move up to Formula 1.
Last weekend in Austin, Jost Capito revealed that Logan Sargeant, current Formula 2 driver, would be the second driver for Williams in 2023 if he obtains a Super Licence.
“In the second Williams car next year if he obtains his Super Licence. The American must finish at least fifth in the F1 standings, or sixth if he earns the two additional points for finishing the season without receiving penalty points, in order to acquire the 40 Super Licence points necessary to enter F1. He currently has 28 points to his name and is third in the standings (135 points) behind Theo Pourchaire and Felipe Drugovich. There is only one race left on the competition’s calendar this season, which will conclude in Abu Dhabi on November 20th.”
Or, we now learn that in the event of Logan Sargeant’s failure, Williams simply has no backup plan to replace Nicholas Latifi. During the United States Grand Prix weekend, Jost Capito indicated to Motorsport.com journalists that there is currently no concrete plan, no name, to take the place of the F2 driver if he ultimately fails to obtain his Super License. « There will be drivers who will not have a contract. There are still very good drivers, and they have the Super License points for that, so it’s good », he only declared. This is what is called putting all your eggs in one basket, or excessive confidence…
Regarding these drivers without contracts, it mainly concerns Mick Schumacher, who is stuck in a dead-end situation at Haas, or Daniel Ricciardo, who has now accepted not being in Formula 1 next year. However, Williams could also consider former drivers, who are also experienced, such as Nico Hülkenberg or Antonio Giovinazzi, the latter having driven – and crashed – the Haas during the FP1 in Austin.
Store as many points as possible.
If the boss of Williams stated that the teams had to play the political game for negotiations on the driver market, he reiterated his support for Logan Sargeant, indicating that his performances in F2 since Silverstone had convinced the team that he was ready for a race seat in the top category.
“We want to prepare Logan as best as possible for the next season,” stated Jost Capito. “This means he needs to maximize the time spent in the car this year, which is why we have given him three FP1 sessions, in Austin, Mexico this weekend, and then in Abu Dhabi for the last race of the season. The American will also take part in the ‘young drivers’ test to maximize his chances.”
« This gives him additional Super Licence points. It’s sure that they won’t do him any harm. And he will also do the young drivers’ test after Abu Dhabi », he confirmed. « This is now part of the preparation for Logan to be in the best possible position for the start of next season. »
On his part, the main person involved relies on Williams to determine the points he needs, and has indicated that he would drive as fast as possible at any time.
