Williams have sacked Logan Sargeant with immediate effect, and named Franco Colapinto as his replacement for remainder of 2024 F1 season.
Sargeant had endured a difficult campaign with his highest finish coming at the British Grand Prix, as he finished 11th.
Williams however lost patience with the American after he crashed in FP3 at the Dutch GP, which forced him to miss Qualifying due to the damage done to his car.
Sargeant consequently had been relieved of his duties following the race and leaves F1 with just one point in 36 race appearances, although Williams have decided to retain him within their wider family to support him in deciding his next move.
Team Principal, James Vowles issued the following tribute to Sargant for his efforts.
“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.”
Sargeant’s teammate, Alex Albon posted a classy tribute on X as he sympathised with the American over losing his seat, having previously experienced a mid-season change in 2019 when he was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull.
I know firsthand how brutal this sport can be & it’s tough to see Logan leave the team mid-season. You gave it your all brother and it’s been a pleasure being teammates with you. I know whatever you do next, you’ll be awesome. pic.twitter.com/7QSMmpBJlO
— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) August 27, 2024
Colapinto meanwhile will replace Sargeant for the remainder of the season and steps up from F2, where he sat sixth with one win in his rookie campaign for MP Motorsport.
His promotion also sees Colapinto become the first Argentinean driver to race in F1 since Gaston Mazzacane, who drove for Prost in 2001 for just four races before he was sacked due to poor performance.
Addressing his unexpected promotion, Colapinto commented: “It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of.”
“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.”
Vowles added that the decision to put Colapinto into the car wasn’t easy to make, but believes that the 21 year-old Argentinean will provide the team with the best chance to achieve points.
“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.
“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.
“I know that Franco has great speed and huge potential, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.”
Colapinto won two karting titles – Pre Junior Argentina Championship plus 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, before he graduated to single seater racing in 2018 in Spanish F4 which he won a year later.
2020 saw Colapinto finish third in Toyota Racing Series and Formula Renault Eurocup, followed by two wins in each of last three seasons across FRECA in 2021 then F3 in 2022 and 23 seasons.
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