US F1 star Logan Sargeant sacked, Williams surprisingly announces permanent replacement

American Formula 1 star Logan Sargeant was sacked mid-season, a statement from Williams Racing confirmed.

The announcement was made on Tuesday after a very weak performance by the 23-year-old at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he was criticized after his car burst into flames due to a major mistake.

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Ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, the Grove-based team announced that Franco Colapinto would replace Sargeant for the remainder of the season, despite strong rumours that Mick Schumacher would partner Alex Albon instead.

Colapinto is a member of the Williams Driver Academy and made his F1 debut in FP1 at the British Grand Prix this year.

The 21-year-old is not only a Formula 2 race winner, but also the first Argentine driver in F1 in 23 years and the second to drive for Williams after fellow countryman Carlos Reutemann.

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Logan Sargeant fired by Williams

In a statement released by the team, Colapinto said: “It is an honour to make my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is the stuff dreams are made of.”

“The team has an incredible history and a mission to get back to the top. I can't wait to be part of it.”

“Joining F1 mid-season will be a huge learning curve, but I'm ready for the challenge and fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex and the team to make this a success.”

Colapinto's sudden arrival marks an abrupt end to Sargeant's F1 career, following a disappointing weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix that seemed to have been the last straw for Williams.

Carlos Sainz will drive alongside Alex Albon from 2025 and team boss James Vowles felt that the team could not miss out on any more valuable opportunities in 2024.

Vowles: This was not a decision we made lightly

In the statement, Vowles said: “Replacing a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe it gives Williams the best chance of fighting for points for the remainder of the season.”

“We have just completed a major upgrade to the car and we need to make the most of every opportunity to score points in what is a remarkably close midfield battle.

“We also believe in investing in our young drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy and Franco will have a fantastic opportunity to show what he can do in the final nine rounds of the season.

“This is undoubtedly incredibly tough for Logan, who has given his best throughout his time at Williams, and we would like 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 in the future. I know Franco has great speed and huge potential and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.”

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