Amidst growing speculation about Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull, another driver further down the Formula 1 grid, Logan Sargeant, is finding himself in a precarious position within his current team, Williams.
Sargeant, who currently occupies the last open cockpit on the 2024 grid, faced another setback at Suzuka when he experienced a crash on race day, following a high-speed qualifying incident.
The American rookie, aged 22, has been under scrutiny, with doubts even emerging about his ability to remain with Williams until the end of the season, which includes two home grands prix in Austin and Las Vegas.
Team principal James Vowles addressed the situation, stating, “We will give Logan the chance to prove himself until the end of the season.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“Other drivers I can think of were given two years to do that,” perhaps alluding to Mick Schumacher, who is not being considered to replace Sargeant at Williams.
Reflecting on Sargeant’s performance, Vowles added, “It was unfortunate.
“Until then he was as fast as Alex (Albon).
“And on a track like Suzuka.”
Sargeant himself took responsibility for the crash that occurred when he collided with Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas.
He acknowledged his mistake, saying, “Of course, that’s my mistake.
“But Bottas obviously didn’t notice that I’d locked the wheels.”
Bottas, in response, claimed, “He was on the inside, but I left enough space.
READ: Max Verstappen penalty reviewed after George Russell lashes out
“It was clearly his fault.”
However, regardless of the outcome for the remainder of the 2023 season, many insiders in the Formula 1 world are beginning to envision a replacement for Sargeant in the 2024 season, potentially in the form of the well-financed Brazilian rookie Felipe Drugovich.
Toni Vilander, a well-known racing driver, shared his perspective on the matter, saying, “Sargeant’s situation is starting to resemble what happened with (Nicholas) Latifi. The guy seems to be a bit out of his depth.”