F1: Logan Sargeant was replaced by Colapinto for the rest of the F1 season

Williams dropped Formula 1’s only American driver, Logan Sargeant, mid-season in favor of young Formula 2 driver Franco Colapinto in his place, starting from the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.

The replacement may be attributed to the high-speed crash that occurred at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

Vowles talked with competing team leaders to assess potential replacements for Sargeant. Initial considerations were Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher and Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson, both of whom had their bosses expressing willingness to entertain appropriate proposals.

However, the team went on a different route and decided that young driver Colapinto was a better bet.

“To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season,” team principal James Vowles said in a statement. “We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximize every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle.”

Speaking about the Williams chance, Colapinto said: “It is an honor to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of.

“The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part of. Coming into F1 mid-season will be an enormous learning curve but I am up for the challenge, and I’m fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex and the team to make it a success.”