Following a rocky start to the season for William’s Logan Sargeant, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner weigh in on rumours of a mid season replacement for the young American.
Following a series of poor performance and expensive crashes, the most recent coming at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix weekend, rumours have suggested Logan Sargeant could be ousted from his Williams seat as early as this weekend ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Following comments from team principal James Vowles earlier in the season that Sargeant was “at risk” of losing his Formula 1 drive, it is now believed that a mid season replacement for the American is being considered following a high speed crash during Saturday’s qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix.
When quizzed about potential replacements should the rumours ring through, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff all but confirmed Mercedes’ junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli was off the cards. Wolff noted that Antonelli would be on track with Mercedes during FP1 this weekend, but explained his current development plan was the priority.
“Between James Bowers and myself, we have super transparent discussions and relationship.” Wolff said when asked about the possibility of Antonelli driving for Williams. “James was part of developing Kimi and finding Kimi.
“So I think what’s best for [Antonelli] is to continue the program as we have designed it, with the TPC testing and Formula 2, and see how that goes, rather than disrupting our plan and giving him the opportunity in the Williams. That’s the decision that we’ve taken.”
Wolff went on to add fuel to the fire of the rumours when asked if Mercedes’ development driver, and former Haas F1 driver, Mick Schumacher would be an option to fill the potentially vacant seat at Williams.
“I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance, because we haven’t seen the real Mick.” He said. “You’re not winning F2, F3 and F4 the other way around. F4, F3, F2, and then you’re underperforming in Formula 1.
“I think he deserves a chance, and if the opportunity would be in Williams, it’s something that we would be cheering for.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was also questioned on the possibility of a loan deal to Williams in the form of Red Bull junior Liam Lawson. Playing his cards ever close to his chest, the Red Bull man shied away from denying the possibility, claiming the terms of a potential agreement would be key.
“It would depend on which terms and if we needed him back, could we have him back quite quickly?” Horner replied. “But certainly if they needed a driver next weekend, we’d be open to that. But that’s a Williams question rather than one for us to answer.”
