In a dramatic mid-season shakeup, Williams has announced that Franco Colapinto will replace Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season, starting at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
The decision comes after Sargeant’s massive crash during FP3 at Zandvoort, which seems to have been the final straw for the team. While Sargeant’s departure from Williams at the end of the season was already confirmed, the team has opted for a mid-season change, bringing in Colapinto, a rising star from their Driver Academy.
Despite interest in Red Bull and Mercedes reserve drivers Liam Lawson and Mick Schumacher, Williams has decided to promote from within. Colapinto, who has been part of the Williams Driver Academy since January 2023, made his first appearance in an F1 car during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year. He also got his first taste of an F1 race weekend earlier this season at Silverstone.
The 20-year-old Argentine has been impressive in his rookie Formula 2 campaign, where he currently sits sixth in the standings with one win under his belt. His strong performances have now earned him a shot at the pinnacle of motorsport, as he becomes the first Argentine to compete in F1 since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001.
Williams’ Team Principal, James Vowles, emphasized that the decision to replace Sargeant mid-season was not taken lightly but was made with the team’s best interests in mind.
“This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams,” Vowles said. “But we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season, especially with the recent upgrades we’ve brought to the car. Franco has shown great speed and potential, and we’re excited to see what he can do in Formula 1.”
Colapinto expressed his excitement and determination ahead of his F1 debut, stating, “It is an honor to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of. Coming into F1 mid-season will be an enormous learning curve, but I am up for the challenge, and I’m fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex [Albon] and the team to make it a success.”
While Colapinto will finish out the 2024 season with Williams, the team has already signed Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon in 2025, leaving the young Argentine without a long-term seat. As for Sargeant, who has been linked with a potential move to IndyCar, his time in F1 ends with 36 starts and a single point scored at his home race in Austin last October.
Photo from Franco Colapinto Instagram
