Williams confirm three options for second F1 seat

Williams team principal James Vowles has revealed he has a trio of drivers on his shortlist for the second drive at the team in 2025.

The Grove-based squad confirmed earlier this week that it has signed Alex Albon to a multi-year extension.

However, his team-mate beyond the current season has not yet been confirmed, with Logan Sargeant currently occupying the seat.

Sargeant has struggled for form since joining Williams in 2023, with speculation linking Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli to the vacancy.

With one driver already wrapped up for the coming seasons, Vowles hinted that a decision over its second seat will be made in the near future.

“I don't want to sully what I think is a really positive message that we have someone committing to the long-term future of Williams,” Vowles told media including RacingNews365.

“I'm looking, at the moment, at about three options for 2025 and 2026. It’s as simple as that.

“When we're in a position where I can talk about it openly, which won't be long, we will do.”

Williams 'need to talk to others'

Sargeant has endured a difficult start to the year, as he sat out the Australian Grand Prix when Williams decided to give Albon his chassis before having a high-speed crash during FP1 in Japan.

The 23-year-old failed to see the chequered flag last time out in Miami after being involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen. 

While Vowles asserted that Sargeant's future is in his own hands, he admitted it needs to pursue alternative options to the American driver.

“For now, the direction of travel is we know that we need to be performing at the highest level,” he said.

“Logan has control in his hands in making sure he's performing at that level. That's his ability to control.

“I haven't taken that away from him. But what's clear is we also need to be talking to others, and we are.”