Ralf Schumacher was surprised by Williams' personnel policy

The names of 19 drivers of the next F1 season have been known for a long time – since AlphaTauri announced the extension of contracts with Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo at the end of September.

The last intrigue is connected with who will sit in the cockpit of the second Williams car. At first, Mick Schumacher, Felipe Drugovich, and even Liam Lawson were among the contenders – but after Logan Sargent stopped crashing cars, and even earned his first F1 points at the home stage in Austin, the continuation of the contract with him looked the most likely scenario. 

However, on the eve of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, conversations about candidates began again. The reason for this was an interview that the head of Williams, James Vowles, gave to the reporter of the German Sky, Ralf Schumacher. 

"After a lot of previous mistakes, Sargent was clearly able to add," the German expert told the online edition of F1–Insider. – His qualification in Las Vegas [where the American finished seventh] was really impressive.

That is why I had almost no doubt that in our interview Jaima Vowles would confirm the contract with Logan for 2024. And I was very surprised when he didn't do it – especially since I just don't see any decent alternatives."

As they say, the pause with the announcement in the Grove was taken at the request of Mercedes. Now, after the transition of Mick Schumacher to endurance racing, it is important for the team to check out their young protege Frederick Vesti from Formula 2. 

The upcoming weekend on the Yas-Marina highway will be very important for the Dane. Togo is waiting for a difficult fight for the Formula 2 champion title with Theo Purscher, who is 25 points ahead, and at the same time participating in the first training session behind the wheel of a Williams FW45. 

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Mercedes Chief racing Engineer Andrew Shovlin explained, speaking about Vesti: "For him, the weekend promises to be eventful. However, Fred has already shown his maturity and ability to cope with difficulties. I am sure he will spend the weekend with maximum efficiency."

At the youth tests after the Grand Prix, the Dane will again pilot a dark blue car. Based on the results of his work at Mercedes, they will decide whether it is worth lobbying for his protege a place at Williams.