2024-08-27 16:49:40
The Williams racing team is apparently parting ways with Logan Sargeant and is already looking for a replacement for the race in Monza. Does this open a door for Mick Schumacher?
When a small chapter of motorsport history is written in Austin this weekend, Mick Schumacher will be right in the middle of it. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is racing in Texas for the first time, and Schumacher is there with his Alpine team – or will everything turn out completely differently?
Because, completely unexpectedly, a door could open for Michael Schumacher’s son in the premier class. Then it would be Monza instead of Texas, and finally Formula 1 again instead of WEC.
The Williams racing team has apparently lost patience with Logan Sargeant and wants to replace the American, who recently caused a serious accident in Zandvoort, before the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. Schumacher is considered one of the candidates for this cockpit and he has a prominent advocate.
“I am sure that he could convince Williams. Especially since, unlike other candidates, he knows the Formula 1 field and the tracks,” Sebastian Vettel told the Bild newspaper. The 25-year-old Schumacher is “a good racing driver,” emphasized the four-time world champion: “I hope that he gets the chance and can show the world what he is capable of.”
Schumacher’s time in Formula 1 so far has not been particularly successful, and after leaving the US racing team Haas at the end of 2022, he is without a cockpit. Vettel does not understand this, because “the car was not competitive,” said the 37-year-old. “Many people” still have “a wrong image of him” from that time.
The Williams and Schumacher scenario would offer more opportunities than risks for both sides. Williams would get a breath of fresh air and a former Formula 2 and Formula 3 champion for the rest of the season. Schumacher could put himself in the spotlight for nine races and recommend himself for other tasks. For example, a cockpit at Sauber, which will become the Audi factory team from 2026.
A permanent commitment to Williams is not an option: Sargeant’s departure at the end of the season was decided long ago, and he will be replaced by current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz from 2025. The Thai driver Alexander Albon is undisputed anyway. This clarity could help Schumacher to focus solely on the races.
Like so many tracks, Monza is also closely linked to the name Schumacher. Michael Schumacher has won here five times and is the record winner along with Lewis Hamilton. From a PR perspective, the Mick Schumacher solution would have huge potential for Williams.
But the German is not the only possible solution. Williams junior Franco Colapinto from Argentina is being discussed, as is Liam Lawson. However, the New Zealander is contractually bound to Red Bull as a reserve driver, and according to media reports, an agreement could prove complicated. It is different with Schumacher: Mercedes would not put any obstacles in the 25-year-old’s way. Williams must make a decision soon – official media rounds are scheduled for Thursday in Monza.