Schumacher receives backing from Vettel to replace Sargeant at Williams

Logan Sargeant will not be at Williams next season. The American will be replaced by Carlos Sainz, who Williams announced as their 2025 driver during the summer break. Sainz will join Alex Albon. But there are doubts about whether Sargeant will complete the 2024 Formula 1 season. During the third free practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix, Sargeant suffered a heavy crash which couldn't be repaired in time for qualifying.

The damage was massive, and his car was equipped with new upgrades. It was a costly crash for Williams and a tough one to swallow for team boss James Vowles. On Saturday, GPblog already reported that James Vowles had been in talks with Red Bull management. One of the topics was the possible switch of Liam Lawson to Williams. 

Christian Horner revealed in response to a question from GPblog at Zandvoort that Red Bull had given Lawson the green light to make the move, but he's not the only option for James Vowles. Mercedes has put forward Mick Schumacher as an alternative to Williams. Schumacher is Mercedes' reserve driver, but his chances of getting the seat are slimmer than Lawson's. Schumacher lost the shootout for the Alpine seat to Jack Doohan and has also been overtaken by Antonelli at Mercedes. It might not be the best CV, but he has received backing from a four-time World Champion.

Vettel stands up for Schumacher

"If it were my decision, I would tend towards Mick [Schumacher]. Of course, I am a little biased because he is my friend, but in my eyes he is the best solution," Vettel told Bild. Vettel has been friends with Schumacher for a long time after the former Red Bull and Ferrari driver grew up idolising Mick's father, Michael Schumacher.

But Vettel has more reasons than just a friendship. "Mick has two years of experience in Formula 1 as a driver, has a very broad technical insight through his current role, knows the Mercedes engine and has matured a lot as a person since leaving Haas. I am sure that he could convince Williams. Especially since, unlike other candidates, he knows the Formula 1 field and the tracks. That's a big advantage. I hope he gets the chance and can show the world what he can do."

Schumacher's stint at Haas ended at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season. Guenther Steiner opted for two experienced drivers for the 2023 season after a series of crashes cost the American team a lot of money.