Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher would have been good but not special as a replacement for Williams’ American Formula One driver Logan Sargeant, team boss James Vowles said in explaining why he decided not to sign.
The British team announced on Tuesday that Argentine F2 driver Franco Colapinto will replace Sargeant for the remaining nine races of the season, starting with Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael and looking for a way back onto the grid after losing his seat at Haas, was one of three candidates for the seat, along with Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson.
“With Liam, the contractual position at Red Bull wouldn’t have worked with me here at Williams, so it didn’t become an option for us,” Vowles told reporters.
“Mick has improved a lot from where he was at Haas, there’s no doubt about that… all his supporters, if you talk to them, will tell you where he’s adapted and where he’s changed.”
Vowles said the Mercedes-powered team chose to promote Colapinto from its academy, a driver with many simulator laps and who had driven the current car, rather than look outside.
“I think both (Schumacher and Colapinto) would fall into the category of good and not special. I think we have to be objective about that. Mick is not special, he would just be good,” he added.
“I think he would come in with a lot more experience than Franco, but… Williams has always invested in the new generation of drivers and young people.”
Vowles suggested Colapinto a future as a reserve and simulator driver, in a team with Thai Alex Albon and Spaniard Carlos Sainz, confirmed for 2025.
He said he made the decision to release Sargeant on Monday, the day after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
Sargeant, who had not scored a point all season, suffered a serious crash in final practice and missed out on qualifying, but Vowles said the decision was made on the basis of performance and not a single incident.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
