Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that there are two drivers ready to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams, should the American rookie not be retained for 2024.
Williams’ second seat for next season is now the only unconfirmed position on the grid, after AlphaTauri announced last weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix that Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo would be their drivers for 2024.
Whilst Albon was confirmed for next year a while ago, Sargeant’s future is yet to be decided upon.
It’s been a very difficult maiden campaign for the young driver, who has, unfortunately, crashed far too often.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Sargeant has reportedly cost Williams almost four times his yearly salary in repairs to his FW45, with his latest big accident having occurred during Q1 at Suzuka.
The rookie had a huge crash at the final corner whilst trying to complete his first qualifying lap, something which visibly deflated the Grove-based team’s mechanics.
His car was so destroyed, that the FIA penalised Williams for doing too many repairs to it, to the extent that it was effectively a third car.
To add to Sargeant’s woes, he then crashed during the race and was ultimately retired from it due to the extent of his damage.
Team principal James Vowles has insisted that Sargeant has until the end of his debut season to “prove” himself; however, Schumacher believes that the 22-year-old is simply “overwhelmed” by the world of F1.
“Sargeant is overwhelmed, which is why he causes the accidents,” Schumacher told the Formula1.de YouTube channel. “He tries force, he despairs a bit, but it just doesn’t work with violence.”
Williams do have a big decision to make regarding Sargeant’s future, although there are already two drivers waiting behind-the-scenes should the American driver receive the axe.
One of which is Schumacher’s nephew, Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher.
Schumacher has been with Mercedes this season after being dropped by Haas at the end of 2022, with him now reportedly potentially off to the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
On the F1 grid is where the young German wants to be though, with his uncle stating confidently that the Mercedes reserve would do a “better job” than Sargeant.
“I definitely believe that he would do a better job than Logan Sargeant,” Schumacher said.
“I think the circumstances under which Mick entered Formula 1 were extremely bad.
“In year one with another rookie [Nikita Mazepin] in a car that said Formula 1 on it but that wasn’t really a Formula 1 car in comparison.”
The ex-F1 driver does admit though, that his nephew was “too weak” at the start of his second campaign but ” by the middle he was at the same level” as Kevin Magnussen, who replaced Mazapin.
“But he had a team that wasn’t necessarily behind him, to say the least, at least with the team boss. That’s not easy for a young driver,” Schumacher added.
Supposedly, Vowles was shown the Mercedes reserve’s data from the simulator by Toto Wolff, who is wanting to get Mick back onto the grid.
READ: Why Williams literally can’t afford to keep Logan Sargeant
Another driver who is actually seen as the most likely driver to replace Sargeant, according to SPORT1, is Aston Martin reserve and reigning Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich.
Drugovich has rejected several seats in Formula E in 2024 in an attempt to try and force a move onto the F1 grid next season, with Schumacher noting that he would also bring Williams a “lot of money”.
“There is also Felipe Drugovich, who is waiting with a lot of money,” said the German.