‘Incredible’ driver set to hold talks over F1 future this week after being linked with Williams

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Just as the Formula 1 driver’s market appears to be calming down, speculation begins once again that change could be coming on the grid sooner rather than later.

The red flag that prevented running for the majority of FP3 on Friday was caused by a huge crash for Williams star Logan Sargeant.

The young American then missed out on taking part in qualifying although he avoided starting on the last row of the grid thanks to his teammate Alex Albon’s disqualification.

However, the Thai driver still managed to finish ahead of his teammate by the time the chequered flag flew.

Albon wasn’t happy with Kevin Magnussen during the Grand Prix but at least he was involved in some battles, unlike Sargeant who only seemed to finish ahead of cars who chose some very odd strategies.

A report from The Mirror has shared more details about the drivers who could end up replacing the 23-year-old if team principal James Vowles decides enough is enough after 36 Grand Prix starts.

Vowles failed to rule out replacing Sargeant before the end of the season even though Williams have already brought in Carlos Sainz for 2025.

There are plenty of drivers who would consider themselves suitable candidates to replace Sargeant if his time in Formula 1 comes to an end.

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson appears to be one of the strongest candidates for the role.

The Kiwi drove brilliantly during his five-race cameo last season standing in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.

Albon has proven that his Williams is capable of scoring points and he’d have backed himself to finish in the top ten had he not been disqualified.

The question for Vowles is whether Lawson – or potentially another driver – has a better chance of matching Albon than Sargeant.

READ MORE: Who is Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Liam Lawson to hold talks this week over Red Bull future amid Williams interest

The report from The Mirror suggests that Red Bull are open to the idea of Lawson potentially going out on a ‘short-term loan’ for the rest of the season.

However, with Sergio Perez’s seat still under threat and Daniel Ricciardo not signed up for next year, team principal Christian Horner may want the option to recall him, particularly if Red Bull lose their lead in the Constructors’ Championship.

They go on to say that a decision is ‘not currently close’ but Williams have enquired about his availability and talks will take place this week about Lawson’s ‘immediate future’ ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship

What Red Bull are saying about Liam Lawson with key Williams decision set to be made

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race about Lawson, Horner said: “We could rent him out. We could do… Nothing is fixed.

“If we don’t take up the option on Liam then he is a free driver for 2025, so we’ve got specific time periods within drivers’ contracts where that becomes prevalent.”

Marko has previously commented on Lawson’s ‘incredible’ skill, as per Speedweek and is a huge fan of the youngster.

Lawson is expected to be in a Red Bull car in 2025 according to Marko, but which team he’ll be driving for is still unknown.

Marko also suggested after the Dutch Grand Prix that he would be open to loaning Lawson to Williams although it doesn’t appear as though any deal is particularly close.

With so many drivers throwing their hats into the ring, it’s hard to know where Lawson sits on Vowles’s shortlist at this stage.

But a quick decision is needed with the Italian Grand Prix just a few days away and Lawson’s previous F1 experience and potential availability should put him ahead of any rookies looking for their big break in the sport.