Williams are getting closer to a decision on their 2025 driver line-up. The Grove-based team has been linked to several drivers, including Carlos Sainz, Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Antonelli. Amidst this speculation, the consensus is that Logan Sargeant will lose his seat. Team principal James Vowles has provided an update on the situation.
Rumours have been aplenty surrounding the British team. At one point, there were reports that Kimi Antonelli could replace Logan Sargeant mid-season. Although this did not happen, with James Vowles swiftly shutting down these rumours, this speculation speaks to the different potential scenarios at Williams.
There are many high-calibre drivers available on the market, whilst Williams are becoming a more attractive destination. Because of this, negotiations in 2024 have been extensive. Talks will continue in the background until the final call is made.
As it stands, Logan Sargeant is expected to miss out on a contract renewal. However, James Vowles denies that a decision has been made:
“Logan, all the way through, has been provided the opportunity to retain his seat,” he told Sky F1. “That’s in his control.
“I need performance that’s at Alex’s level. I need him to be there day in and day out, fundamentally.
“We also have a responsibility to why he hasn’t been there. There’s been several races where we haven’t provided the right equipment simply because of attrition.
“That’s not been the case for several races now. But still, that’s on us as a responsibility. His [responsibility] is, when you have it, we need you right up there pushing the team forward, fundamentally.”
James Vowles hints at mid-season change at Williams
In typical fashion, the 45-year-old made eloquent and balanced comments. It is partly because of Vowles’ oral skills that Williams are perceived as such a promising destination – even if their results have not been stellar in 2024.
However, embedded in the Williams team principal’s interview are some very interesting comments:
“He [Sargeant] knows that he wants to be there – he wants to perform. He wants to be there, and I want to give him every opportunity I can.
“But there will be a line in the sand when we have to make a decision at that point – both for ’25 and maybe for something this year. But we’re not there today.
“My priority at the moment is – let’s sort out the car, because we have underperformed in that area. Not Logan, not Alex.
“Once we have a car at the right performance, then let’s assess what we are costing ourselves and if we are costing ourselves.”
Vowles seems to hint that a mid-season change is not off the cards for Williams. There is plenty of significance to suggestions the team could make a call ” for something this year”.
As mentioned previously, the British outfit have been linked with a potential mid-season swap. Many have hypothesised Kimi Antonelli could take Logan Sargeant’s place halfway through the season. This move would obviously benefit Mercedes, who are eager to evaluate the 17-year-old’s abilities.
As evidenced by Haas’ decision to offer Oliver Bearman a contract, Formula 2 is not always the best measuring stick. It is no secret that Prema have struggled this season.
Therefore, as more variables enter the equation, it becomes more imperative to follow the movements at Williams.
