Williams not ruling out driver change before end of season · F1 · RaceFans

Williams team principal James Vowles says they are “open-minded” about the possibility of changing their driver line-up before the end of the season.

Alexander Albon has a long-term deal with Williams. His team mate Logan Sargeant has lagged off his pace, though their cars have often been in different specifications due to the amount of damage they incurred earlier in the year.

Vowles did not confirm Sargeant will be in the car for the rest of the season during today’s press conference. However he stressed the team have higher priorities for improving their performance than changing their drivers.

“We’re continually evaluating it,” he said. “What we’ve said to Logan is it’s a meritocracy. You have to make sure you earn your place in the sport continuously. That’s been the same message that has been for 18 months, really, for him.

“We are open-minded to things. What I’ve said before and I’ve maintained today, is that our car – and this is a responsibility on my shoulders and the team’s – isn’t quick enough. It’s not a driver issue we suffer from today. We’ve simply been out-developed and we have to make sure we accelerate that process.”

Williams gave its junior driver Franco Colapinto his first opportunity to drive in an official F1 test session today. Colapinto, who took over Sargeant’s car, lies fifth in the Formula 2 standings. Vowles described the opportunity as a “reward” for his performances in F2.

“I like recognising that we have a strong young driver programme,” said Vowles. “We invested in Logan and we’ll continue to invest in our young driver programme, simple as that. It’s expanding quite significantly in the background.

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“Today wasn’t a showcase or demonstration or a test, it was simply reward for a good progression, and we have to do two FP1s [with junior drivers] in the season. It’s sensible to do it here at Silverstone. I didn’t expect it to be wet then dry then wet but anyway, that’s Silverstone as well for you.”

Vowles said junior drivers needs to be introduced to F1 machinery carefully, and they would give Colapinto more track time in an older car if they were planning to promote him to a grand prix drive.

“I believe that you really can burn a driver if you put them in the car too soon,” he said. “And, actually, in modern-day Formula 1, what you’re seeing is rookies are struggling as a result of things.

“So…