In a sport as fast-paced as Formula 1, mid-season driver changes are rare, but they are not unheard of. Recently, two drivers were shown the exit door in just a matter of months. The most notable of these was Logan Sargeant, who lost his seat at Williams after a string of disappointing performances. Daniel Ricciardo also bid an emotional farewell in Singapore, though his departure came as less of a surprise, with official confirmation from Red Bull only arriving days after the event.
Logan Sargeant’s exit from Williams was a more dramatic affair. The American driver, who barely secured his seat for the 2024 season, struggled to make an impact, failing to score a single point in the improving Williams car. His fate was sealed after a devastating crash during practice at the Zandvoort circuit, which left the team with costly damages to newly developed parts. Williams team principal James Vowles made the tough call to part ways with Sargeant, bringing in Argentine driver Franco Colapinto as his replacement.
Interestingly, Colapinto had only a brief FP1 session at Silverstone to prove his worth earlier in the season. While this was not intended to be an audition for a permanent spot, his impressive performance in such a short time left the team with little choice but to fast-track him into the main driver lineup. Colapinto’s rapid rise caught the attention of many, including former F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer, who admitted on the High Performance Podcast that he had underestimated how quickly the young driver would adjust to the demands of Formula 1.
Despite Colapinto’s success, Williams has already secured the services of Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season to race alongside Alex Albon. This move indicates that the team is thinking long-term and aiming to climb higher in the grid standings. Though Colapinto has outperformed Sargeant’s career points total in a short time, it seems unlikely that he will secure a seat at Sauber next year, leaving his future in F1 uncertain.
Meanwhile, discussions between Albon and Sainz have already begun, as they prepare to form a partnership at Williams next season. Both drivers possess the skill and experience to race for teams further up the grid, and if they can build a strong working relationship, Williams could position itself as a top contender in the midfield battle. With new regulations on the horizon in 2026 and the team’s reliance on Mercedes power units, there is potential for Williams to continue its upward trajectory in the seasons to come.