Nyck de Vries is not the only candidate at Williams to replace Nicholas Latifi. Logan Sargeant is also on the list, it is just uncertain whether he is eligible for a super licence. Jost Capito is confident the young American is ready.

De Vries left a good impression after his appearance in Monza. He finished ninth during his debut as a replacement for Albon, who was struggling with appendicitis. Afterwards, the 27-year-old driver received high praise from Williams team boss Jost Capito for getting a full seat at the British formation in 2023.

Sargeant is De Vries' main rival for the second seat at Williams. This is currently occupied by Nicholas Latifi, but a future with the team no longer seems in doubt. Especially as he was beaten by substitute De Vries in both qualifying and race at Monza. What does not bode well for Sargeant's chances is that it is not yet certain whether he will have access to a super licence in 2023.

Third in Formula 2 standings

The young American is in his first full season in Formula 2 and is making a fine impression so far. With two wins, Sargeant is currently third in the standings. He would need to finish in the top-five to secure a super licence. With only the season finale in Abu Dhabi to go, he is not yet sure of this given the strong competition in the F2 field.

Should Sargeant, who may already drive a free practice for Williams in front of his own crowd in Austin next month, fail to secure a superlicence and sign De Vries at Alpine or AlphaTauri, Williams will have to look for an alternative. Those being linked to that in the silly season include Antonio Giovinazzi, Mick Schumacher and Jack Aitken. Another option is for Williams to make Jack Doohan available on loan from Alpine, a construction both teams had previously devised for Oscar Piastri, who is leaving for McLaren.

Capito confident

Regardless of whether or not he gets a superlicence, Capito in any case has every confidence in Sargeant and thinks he is ready, the Williams team boss tells Motorsport.com. He still needs some points but if he doesn't get them, it won't help. Capito is confident he is ready, whether he gets the points or not.

In the unlikely event that Sargeant does end up outside the top-five in Formula 2, the FIA does not look set to make an exception. As was announced recently, the international motorsport federation will not make one for Colton Herta either. The latter was in the picture at AlphaTauri to possibly succeed Pierre Gasly should he actually leave for Alpine. Finally, Capito stressed that they did not choose Sargeant because an American in F1 would be good for Williams' commercial value.