I read on the BBC that after the race James went and spoke to Toto and Christian . Can only imagine the two drivers you mention are unavailable ?
I did read that Horner said he was open to lending out a driver but I'm not sure which one. I'm sort of surprised Williams didn't try and get someone with F1 experience in the car for the last 9 races. Maybe they did and no one was willing or available. They are only 9 points off 8th place so they could do that if they get some luck. I bet that's worth a good few $$$$. I do hope they can get some decent points and get at least 8th in constructors.
, James Vowles, the Williams team principal, did not deny that a clause exists in Sainz’s deal when asked by media days after the announcement. Vowles said: “There are precisely 10 people in the world that know what the interior of the contract holds. The Carlos camp know and I know what’s inside. “So anything you have read on the internet is speculation and that’s it. So Carlos Sainz may never race for Williams if an offer of a seat at Merc or RBR was to turn up if that what the clause details are.
Williams finally pull the plug on Logan Sargent, he'll be replaced for the last 10 races by junior driver Franco Colapinto https://www.planetf1.com/news/logan-sargeant-f1-sack-catalyst-dutch-gp-crash
Bit of a weird replacement? All of the press releases talk about the importance of points in a tight midfield battle, so why bring in a rookie who has looked ok but not exceptional in F2, rather than a more experienced ex-F1 driver? Mick Schumacher can't be the only option who fits that category. I guess it's a show of faith in their academy process, but 9 races with no hope of a seat in 2025 is a baptism of fire. Wonder how helpful it'll be to his career prospects instead of building a solid profile in F2 over the remainder of the season.
I think they are only interested in more more damage If the car is dead last with zero chance of points anyway then all they are really asking for is not to break.morr csr parts and let alone do his thing. It's very very hard for a driver to come in from fp2 or especially an average driver like Schumacher and do any better anyway. There's relatively few people you'd call for. I presume lawson was not really easy to get out of red bull driver group and I presume Schumacher list of wreaks scared them too. The guy they have gone for drove in a practice session this year and I presume they know more about him. I saw some real old names and honestly they'd do no better.
Interesting vid from Williams. It's the damage from Brazil coming back to factory to get a chassis rebuilt for this weekend's Vegas race. Hopefully everyone can see it.
Looking like a smart move from them . Rumours as I’m sure you are all aware , are him going to one of the RBR teams . If that happens I hope Williams keep him on their books . Can’t see it happening sadly .
Seems like the most likely outcome is that he leaps straight into the RedBull. Whilst he’s been impressive - and far better than I anticipated - I fear he’ll become another driver destroyed by going up against Max, which would be real shame so early in his career. I do get why RedBull don’t want to promote Tsunoda, but I’d rather see him move up for a season given come 2026 he’s likely out of the RedBull stable anyway, so he’s a much better candidate for a sink or swim scenario…
Franco Colapinto commented: "I want to say a big thanks to Williams Racing and the team partners, who supported me from the moment I joined the Academy and gave me the opportunity of becoming a Formula 1 driver. "They made my dreams come true and I will always be grateful for that. I'd like to thank the mechanics and all the team members who made a massive effort to put the car on track and give me the opportunity to score points. "And to the fans, who have been so supportive, you have been there for us in the good times and bad; you are the best." WILLIAMS RACING
What I don’t understand is “ ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT “ If Williams have Albion or Sainz leave early ., that Colapinto can come back ? Argentinian sponsor money ? If he’s simply left , seems strange wording otherwise .
I assume Williams had a multi year contract with Colapinto and they have allowed Alpine to buy him out, but maybe they still have an option to pull him back under certain circumstances.
The BBC are saying he’s been released , which is fair ( Though being a Williams Fan I wanted him to stay ) . I just think the last part of your comments makes sense , and is what I believe if the word AGREEMENT means anything …..
I am looking forward to seeing how Williams do this year as they spent last year putting things together. Hopefully it all pans out and they start moving forward up the grid.
I read somewhere that Vowles has said they have stopped developing next seasons car to concentrate on 2026 . If this is even true , I think it’s a daft thing to say in public .
Gives them a bit more breathing space but I agree that it seems a silly thing to say. Hopefully it's to lull the others into a false sense of security
I suspect the strange wording relates to exit clauses in the agreement. So for example Williams have sold the rest of his contract to Alpine, but if for example Williams can offer him a race seat for 2026 and Alpine haven’t, there’s an agreement they can take the contract back over again for a pre agreed cost. I guess Alpine plan to put Colapinto in the car though, maybe even by testing.