Colapinto in, Sargeant out at Williams

The Formula 1 career of Logan Sargeant has come to an abrupt end with Williams dumping the American in favour of Franco Colapinto for the rest of 2024.

Argentine Formula 2 race winner and Williams Academy driver Colapinto will make his Formula 1 Grand Prix debut at Monza this weekend.

Sargeant’s future has been the topic of speculation for a long time with the struggling American yet to score a point in 2024.

He suffered a heavy crash in Practice at the recent Dutch Grand Prix, which not only ruined the team’s latest upgrades, but also whatever patience Team Principal James Vowles had left.

It has been reported Vowles spoke with rival teams about replacing Sargeant with Mick Schumacher and Liam Lawson candidates.

However, Williams promoted within with Colapinto getting the nod for the final nine races of the season.

Sargeant’s best result of 2024 was 11th at Silverstone with only one other top 15 finish, while he retired in Miami and Spain and has had multiple incidents throughout.

Logan Sargeant jumps out of his car after a crash in FP3 during the Dutch GP. Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images

His days in F1 were already numbered with Carlos Sainz joining in 2025, but now Sargeant’s final race has come a bit earlier.

Vowles said it was “incredibly tough” on Sargeant, but believes it is a call that had to be made as it strives for more points.

“To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season,” he said.

“We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle. 

“We also believe in investing in our young drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Franco is getting a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of across the final nine rounds of the season.

“This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams, and we want to thank him for all his hard work and positive attitude.

“Logan remains a talented driver and we will support him to continue his racing career for the future. 

“I know that Franco has great speed and huge potential, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.”

Franco Colapinto celebrates a Formula 3 victory at Australia in 2023. Photo by Mark Sutton / Sutton Images

Colapinto is currently in his first full FIA Formula 2 season and is sixth in the standings with one win in the Imola Sprint.

He already has experience in the FW46 by taking part in a practice session at this year’s British Grand Prix.

Colapinto is just the second Argentine F1 driver in the 21st century with the last Gaston Mazzacane in 2001 when he was dropped after just four races for Prost.

“It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of,” Colapinto said.

“The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part of. 

“Coming into F1 mid-season will be an enormous learning curve but I am up for the challenge.

“I’m fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex and the team to make it a success.”

Mian Photo by Mark Sutton / Sutton Images

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