Williams has revealed that Franco Colapinto will replace Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season, starting at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
Sargeant’s time with Williams was guaranteed to end once the season concluded, but boss James Vowles had never discounted that a mid-season swap could occur.
The American’s huge crash in FP3 at Zandvoort last weekend proved to be the last straw as reports soon emerged that Vowles was evaluating possible replacements.
But while Red Bull and Mercedes reserve drivers Liam Lawson and Mick Schumacher were on the radar, Williams has decided to hand the chance to an internal name.
Colapinto has been aligned with the Williams Driver Academy since January 2023 and made his debut outing in an F1 car at last term’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
In doing so, Colapinto became the first Argentine to pilot an F1 car since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001, and earlier this season made his F1 weekend bow at Silverstone.
Colapinto, who has excelled in his rookie campaign in Formula 2 to sit sixth in the championship with one win, will now complete the 2024 season with Williams in F1.
“To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season,” Vowles said.
“We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle.
“We also believe in investing in our young drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Franco is getting a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of across the final nine rounds of the season.
“This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams, and we want 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 for the future.
“I know that Franco has great speed and huge potential, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.”
“It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of,” Colapinto, who will race with the number 43, expressed.
“The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part 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 and the team to make it a success.”
Colapinto’s audition will not lead to a permanent race position with Williams in 2025, however, as the team has signed Ferrari racer Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon.
Sargeant, who has been linked with a drive in IndyCar next season, will depart F1 having made 36 starts, scoring a single point at his home race in Austin last October.
