Logan Sargeant fired by Williams and replaced by Franco Colapinto for the rest of the season!

The ax has finally fallen for Logan sargeant : the American, again at fault this weekend at Zandvoort with a violent accident during Free Practice 3, will not end the season with Williams. The Floridian's multiple errors and repeated poor performances got the better of his seat, which had been threatened for several months already.

If Alex's extension Albon and the signature of Carlos Sainz for 2025 had already recorded its future in Formula 1, Logan Sargeant did not convince James Vowles and his team who lost patience even before the end of the season. The adventure between Sargeant and Williams therefore ends after 36 Grands Prix, with only one point scored during the 2023 United States GP.

On the other hand, the identity of his replacement is a surprise that few saw coming: Williams will trust a driver from its academy, Franco Colapinto, from the Italian Grand Prix and for the rest of the 2024 season! The 21-year-old driver, currently 6th in the championship Formula 2, will therefore make his debut in Formula 1, having participated in Free Practice 1 at Silverstone with the British team. The native of Buenos Aires will be the first Argentinian to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix since Gaston Mazzacane in 2001. He will wear the number 43 for the nine Grands Prix remaining on the calendar.

Franco Colapinto to race for the remainder of the 2024 season.

- Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 27, 2024

Williams trusts his academy

“It’s an honor to make my Formula 1 debut with Williams, rejoices Franco Colapinto. The team has an extraordinary story and a mission to return to the forefront that I can't wait to be a part of. Coming into F1 mid-season will require a huge learning curve, but I'm up for the challenge, and I'm fully focused on working as hard as possible with Alex and the team to make this happen. a success. »

“Replacing a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe it gives Williams the best chance to fight for points until the end of the season, explains James Vowles, Williams Team Principal. We have just made a significant upgrade to the car and we need to maximize every opportunity to score points in a remarkably tight battle in the middle of the pack. We also believe in investing in our young drivers within the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Franco has a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of over the final nine rounds of the season. »

James Vowles, however, wanted to thank Logan Sargeant for his commitment throughout the season and a half spent with Williams. “This is undoubtedly very difficult for Logan, who has given his all throughout his career at Williams, and we would like to thank him for his hard work and positive attitude, greets the British leader. Logan remains a talented driver and we will support him to continue his racing career in the future. I know Franco has huge potential, and we can't wait to see what he can do in Formula 1."

We'd like to thank Logan for everything he has done the past two seasons.

He will remain a member of the Williams family and we will be supporting him to continue his racing career. pic.twitter.com/yHIy3j94nD

- Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 27, 2024

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