Williams: 'Unfair' to keep potential drivers for second seat waiting

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Williams says it publicly revealed its plan to promote Logan Sargeant to a 2023 race seat with the team because it felt it would have been unfair to keep other drivers waiting.

Last October at the US Grand Prix in Austin, outgoing Williams boss Jost Capito took the unusual step of announcing that Sargeant would be handed the team's second seat alongside Alex Albon for 2023, contingent upon the young American securing his mandatory FIA Super Licence.

A month later in Abu Dhabi, upon Sargent completing his season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and qualifying for the Super Licence, Williams confirmed the promotion to F1 of its young protégé.

Read also: Albon and Sargeant pay tribute to outgoing Williams boss

Speaking in an end-of-season interview conducted before the announcement of his exit from Williams, Capito explained the rationale behind the team's two-step announcement regarding Sargeant.

"We talked to other drivers as well," said Capito.

"So I think it’s unfair if we know what we’re going to do to let, for example, Mick [Schumacher] or [Antonio] Giovinazzi or whoever is pushing [for the seat], to let them wait and wait.

"If you know what you are doing, I think it’s fair to tell them what you are planning to do, and if you tell them what you are planning to do, you can also say publicly.

"We as a team, we are quite open and straightforward, and honest as well. If we have taken that decision, why should we not communicate it?"

Capito also said that choosing Austin as the venue for Williams to unveil its driver plans for 2023 wasn't insignificant as it gave team and driver maximum exposure.

"It’s an American driver, it’s Austin, it gives you the most out of it," said the German. "That’s why the things fell into place in Austin."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.