Marcus Ericsson reveals tensions between Logan Sargeant and James Vowles
Marcus Ericsson has revealed serious tensions between James Vowles and his Williams driver Logan Sargeant. Vowles, who had openly criticized Sargeant's performance, threatening to replace him before the end of the season, has apparently put an end to their communication.
Former Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson, now an IndyCar driver, recently revealed on a podcast for Viaplay F1 Podcast the apparent tensions between Williams team principal James Vowles and driver Logan Sargeant. According to Ericsson, the two men have not been speaking to each other for several weeks.
Conflicts that have been lasting for a long time
Tensions are not new at Williams. After a strong performance at Silverstone for the Grand Prix, Logan Sargeant had already expressed his dissatisfaction when James Vowles did not make any comments on his results. This silence from Williams’ team principal had raised questions about the atmosphere within the team, as the relationship between the two already seemed complicated.
It all started during the Australian Grand Prix last March. While James Vowles had been supporting the American driver up until now, he decided over the weekend to give Logan Sargeant’s car to Alexander Albon after the latter crashed into the safety barriers. As no spare chassis was available, Logan Sargeant did not participate in the Grand Prix that weekend. Logan Sargeant felt betrayed by this hasty decision.
More recently, James Vowles publicly stated that Logan Sargeant no longer has the right to make mistakes, especially now that the two cars seem to be equivalent. Vowles was clear: Sargeant must catch up, or even match, the performances of his teammate if he wants to keep his place in the team for next year . Unfortunately, Sargeant’s results in Hungary were not very satisfactory, increasing the pressure on his shoulders.
James Vowles had also considered recruiting Esteban Ocon before the end of the season to replace his driver, but according to rumors, Alpine had refused to release Ocon earlier. In addition, the Frenchman signed with Haas this morning, making his transfer to Williams unthinkable.
Obvious discomfort confirmed by Ericsson.
Marcus Ericsson, thanks to his career in IndyCar which forces him to stay in the United States, is in contact with some American acquaintances of Logan Sargeant, the only American driver on the Formula 1 grid. In a podcast discussing Formula 1, he himself stated that these acquaintances reported to him a discomfort within the team. “American friends who know Sargeant told me that he is not enjoying himself in this team. He finds it really difficult and apparently, he and Vowles don’t even talk to each other anymore,” he revealed in the ViaPlay F1 Podcast. “They barely greet each other. It’s completely cut off between them.” Short words, but enough to confirm what fans already thought.
Although no one can confirm these statements, they seem to coincide with James Vowles’ comments on a possible early departure of Logan Sargeant. The American driver had clearly expressed that he did not take these remarks positively and that he was fighting to keep his place in Formula 1, while emphasizing that he knew he had delivered good performances this season.
The tensions within the Williams team between James Vowles and Logan Sargeant seem to be reaching a critical point. If Marcus Ericsson’s statements prove to be true, this could mean future changes within the team, especially since only Alexander Albon, who has already signed a contract, is certain to stay at Williams in 2025.
