Vettel And Wolff Failed In Pushing Williams To Sign Schumacher As Sargeant's Replacement

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 at 21:01

Both Sebastian Vettel and Toto Wolff expressed support for Mick Schumacher as a potential substitution for William's driver, Logan Sargeant, but failed.

It was already speculated before the 2024 summer break that Williams's team principal, James Vowles, was exploring his alternatives for Logan Sargeant.

The American driver has not performed up to the standard that his team requires. What's more, the damage resulting from his crashes has cost Williams millions of dollars.

After his most recent crash during the FP3 session at Circuit Zandvoort, more rumors emerged that Vowles is looking for the 23-year-old's replacement.

Three names were most frequently mentioned as potential replacements for the American: Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Liam Lawson, and Mick Schumacher. As to who he would put inside the Williams for the remainder of the season, Sebastian Vettel told Bild:

“"If it were my decision, I would tend to favor Mick. Of course, I'm a bit biased because he's my friend, but in my eyes, he's the best solution."”

“"Mick has two years of experience in Formula 1 as a driver, has a very broad technical insight thanks to his current role [as Mercedes reserve driver]. He knows the Mercedes engine and has matured a lot as a person since leaving Haas."”

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Schumacher has driven in F1 for two seasons already, but he was part of the team that was least competitive overall. Vettel believes he didn't really get a chance to show what he's got.

“"Unlike other candidates, he knows the Formula 1 driver line-up and the circuits. That's a big advantage."”

“"I hope he gets the chance and can show the world what he's capable of. Mick has been unfairly branded because of his two years at Haas. Of course, he made mistakes, but the car wasn't competitive. Many people have the wrong image of him."”

Toto Wolff suggests Williams should take Mick Schumacher

Mercedes's team principal manages Mick Schumacher and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He said that the 18-year-old isn't an option for Williams.

However, Schumacher, who is currently driving for Alpine's endurance team, has his full support for joining the British F1 team. He said:

“"I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance, because we haven't seen the real Mick. You’re not winning F4, F3 and F2 and then you’re not performing in F1… I think he deserves a chance."”

“If the opportunity would be at Williams it's something that we would be cheering for. But it's [Team Principal] James Vowles's decision."”

Unlikely ending

It was expected that Williams would definitely pick either Lawson or Schumacher, but in the end, the team principal, James Vowles, surprised everyone by opting for a quite inexperienced driver from his academy.

It was announced on August 27th that Franco Colapinto, a 21-year-old Argentinian F2 driver, would replace Logan Sargeant immediately and join the Williams Racing F1 team for the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.