Williams says confidence in Sargeant with rigorous intervention

Alexander Albon leaves his Williams totalled, and that means the end of the weekend for Logan Sargeant, who can take the plane back to the United States on Friday (so to speak). Could this happen at any other random team in Formula 1? Either way, Williams' course here is extraordinary, to say the least.

Fierce battle for points

The battle in the midfield this year - as in 2023 - is again hugely close, and at the same time, it is not. Indeed, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren are taking all the points, and the rest are left with crumbs. Crumbs might still be too much of a good thing, because (although, of course, we have only had two GPs), only Haas F1 have collected a point so far.

The gap between the five racing teams at the front of the field and the rest of the competition at the back of the grid is huge. Every little point counts, because, on the season, that can make the difference in millions in prize money. Just look at last year when Williams finished seventh as 'best of the rest' with 28 points and trailed AlphaTauri by just three points in the constructors' championship.

There is absolutely no doubt that Alexander Albon is a better driver than Logan Sargeant, but the person who wastes his own weekend should also be left to fend for himself. After all, with more than 20 race weekends to go, Williams' need for points in Melbourne is not that great.

No faith in Sargeant

How does Williams team boss James Vowles explain the decision to simply pass Sargeant? "While Logan should not suffer for a mistake he did not make, every race counts as the midfield is closer together than ever. Therefore, we made this decision based on our best potential to score points this weekend." At the Grove-based racing stable, they must be so confident of a top-ten finish to deny the second driver on duty his seat.

You could see it as a kind of vote of no confidence when the season has only just started. So why offer Sargeant a contract extension at the end of last season? The moment points need to be scored - now, according to Williams - confidence in the American is more or less terminated. And that after only two races.

Speaking of confidence, how would Sargeant himself feel about it? He tried to put his feelings into words in Australia. "This is the hardest moment I can remember in my career and it is definitely not easy. However, I'm here completely for the team, and will continue to contribute in whatever way I can this weekend to maximise what we can do."

Sargeant can do little else

What else should Sargeant do or say? Turning against the manager and refusing will not be good for his future at Williams. At the same time, agreeing to Vowles' request is also not the way you present yourself as a fully-fledged Formula One driver. This choice by Williams is also likely to affect its future in the premier class of motorsport.

Indeed, Sargeant will really have to pull something out of the hat in the remainder of 2024 if he wants to continue driving Formula 1 in 2025. But will he succeed? His self-confidence will undoubtedly have suffered a further dent and the question is whether the number four in the F2 championship in 2022 will be able to straighten his back and crawl to the level of team leader Albon.

Fortunately for Williams, Sargeant does remain at Melbourne Park on Saturday and Sunday, so he can still support the team. But how seriously would you still feel taken if your competitor is driving your car?

For Williams, meanwhile, it is yet another proof that it still does not have its affairs in order. Vowles joined a team that was "years behind" and "running on crutches", and 2024 seems to be no different. The formation still comes with many limitations, and these will not disappear overnight. One thing is certain: Vowles has shown that, as a team boss, he does not shy away from difficult decisions.