Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson could be on the verge of donning his super-sub cape if the energy drink company and Williams agree terms for the Kiwi to replace Logan Sargeant from next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
The young American driver’s costly crash in last Saturday’s practice at Zandvoort is reportedly to have broken Williams team boss James Vowles’ patience.
Coupled with Sargeant’s previous heavy crash in Japan earlier this season and the 23-year-old’s inability to significantly improve his performances, last weekend’s blunder has compelled Vowles to take action.
Given Sargeant’s departure from the team at the end of the season to make way for Carlos Sainz, an in-season swap seems like a minimal risk affair for Williams.
On Sunday at Zandvoort, Vowles subsequently touched base with Red Bull to inquire about Lawson’s availability on an interim basis.
The latter is no stranger to being dropped at the deep end, having replaced on the fly an injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri last season and ensured a remarkable five-race interim.
Horner acknowledged the possibility of loaning Lawson to Williams, contingent on agreeable terms for both parties, including the possibility for Red Bull to call its driver back should circumstances require such a course of action.
“It depends on which terms and, if we needed him back, would we get him back,” Horner stated.
“Certainly, if they needed a driver next weekend, we’d be open to that. But that’s a Williams question rather than one for us to answer.”
Red Bull is mindful of the potential need to call upon Lawson if issues arise with Sergio Perez’s form or if another driver shuffle becomes necessary.
However, according to reports, Vowles is said to be seeking a full-time switch for the remainder of the season, a stipulation that could complicate the deal.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has also entered the fray, with Vowles meeting with Toto Wolff to discuss a possible opportunity for Mick Schumacher to join Williams for the remainder of the season.
The German driver is a good fit for the Grove-based outfit which is powered by Mercedes’ engines. Wolff would also welcome a chance for the former Haas charger – whom Wolff believes is under-rated – to display his skills in a positive environment.
“I would very much hope that Mick gets the chance, because we haven’t seen the real Mick,” Wolff said in Zandvoort.
“You’re not winning F4, F3, and F2 and you’re underperforming in Formula 1. I think he deserves a chance. I think the opportunity with Williams is something that we would be cheering for.”
There remains a sticking point however for Schumacher. The German is theoretically committed to race with Alpine in the WEC at Austin next weekend, as well as in two other events that clash with F1.
A swift all-clear from the French squad – likely even as early as today – is therefore a prerequisite for Williams, Mercedes and Schumacher.
Whether it’s Lawson or Schumacher, the potential change underscores the dynamic nature of the Formula 1 driver market and the constant maneuvering behind the scenes as teams seek to optimize their lineups.
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