Logan Sargeant’s post-summer performance has been marred by many expensive mishaps, around $3,906,000 t0 be precise. In the era of the budget cap and facing the climax of the driver’s market, these errors could prove costly to the team and the driver. Thus, Ralf Schumacher, in conversation with Sport1, advised Williams to look beyond the Stars and Stripes-wrapped driver and search for performance and money elsewhere.
The rookie driver has failed to impress. One of three this season, his partners in crime faced varying fates, and now Sargeant awaits his. Nyck de Vries was ruthlessly shown the door just 11 races into the season, while fresh ink dries on Oscar Piastri‘s three-year extension with McLaren.
However, Sargeant has been more toward de Vries’ side of the spectrum. Having scored no points, Sargeant could have still been forgiven. Although, it is the silly mistakes on the track that see him in the barriers which has put him in the danger zone.
Williams advised to chase the money elsewhere
The weekend at Suzuka only piled onto the American’s bad reputation. He suffered a severe crash during the qualifying session after losing control of the car. After the team worked hard to rebuild the car around the spare chassis, Sargeant collided with Valtteri Bottas’ Alfa Romeo and failed to see the checkered flag on Sunday.
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Thus, fortunes have not been in Sargeant’s favor. Ralf Schumacher pointed to out that there are a long line of qualified drivers who would do justice to the seat. Felipe Drugovich is knocking on Williams’ door for the 2024 seat, along with a very capable Liam Lawson, who has proved his prowess on the track.
As quoted by SoyMotor, Schumacher underscored the importance of Williams to avoid a repeat of accidents and non-scoring performances as seen with Sargeant. “In the long term, Williams, who is on the rise, cannot afford a driver who has accidents and does not score points. Felipe Drugovich is waiting with a lot of money.”
Logan Sargeant faces growing threat from Drugovich
Drugovich comes with a heavy CV. The reigning F1 champion and Aston Martin’s trusty reserve driver has been making ripples in the F1 community. But Williams is keeping its cards close for a few more races before making a final decision.
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It’s clear Drugovich stands at the forefront of their choices. With a substantial financial backing Drugovich leads the race for the coveted spot. Additionally, Liam Lawson has etched his name in the minds of all the team principals after his valiant run with AlphaTauri. With Red Bull’s hands tied because of Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, he remains a valid choice for Williams.
Thus, it’s do or die for Logan Sargeant. As the clock ticks on his F1 career, Sargeant would have to bring points to the altar in order to keep his seat. Or would Williams be lenient enough to hand him the pen? Second chances are a rare phenomenon in F1.
