Wolff names pick for potential Sargeant replacement

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has named Mick Schumacher as the driver he wants to see potentially replace Logan Sargeant at Williams. 

Following Sargeant's heavy crash in third practice during the Dutch Grand Prix, it was reported that Williams boss James Vowles is considering replacing the American driver ahead of the Italian Grand Prix next weekend. 

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed that the Milton Keynes-based team is "open" to loaning its reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season, with Mercedes also seemingly happy for Williams to borrow Schumacher. 

Schumacher joined Mercedes as its reserve driver at the start of last season, following his departure from Haas at the end of 2022.

"I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance, because we haven't seen the real Mick," insisted Wolff to select media including RacingNews365.

"You're not winning F4, F3 and F2 and then you're underperforming in Formula 1. I think he deserves a chance.

"And if the opportunity would be Williams that is something that we would be cheering for. But it's James Vowles' decision."

Antonelli not an option for Williams

A driver who is not available to Williams is Mercedes' teenage sensation Antonelli. 

The Prema Racing driver has recently conducted several TPC tests (Testing of Previous Cars) for the Silver Arrows and will make his F1 debut next weekend.

However, the Austrian also revealed that Antonelli will complete his maiden F2 campaign alongside testing for Mercedes, ruling him out of contention for a Williams loan.

"Between James Vowles and myself, we have super transparent discussions and relationship," Wolff said.

"And James was part of developing Kimi and finding Kimi. So I think what's best for him is to continue the programme as we have designed it, with the TPC testing and and Formula 2, and see how that goes.

"Rather than disrupting our plan and giving them the opportunity in the Williams and that's the decision that we have taken."