The replacements: F1’s 2024 mid-season driver swaps
10 October 2024An unchanged F1 grid from one season to the next is a rare occurrence in the sport, one which we saw at the start of 2024 as all 20 drivers remained with their teams from 2023. But in the season itself, two teams have now implemented mid-season substitutions in which they have opted to swap out underperforming drivers for hungry young guns.
But what will become of those who were benched by their respective teams – where might we see them end up? And likewise, for the newcomers, what must they do to show they are worthy of retaining their place at the pinnacle of motorsport?
Ricciardo’s final act
Daniel Ricciardo’s popularity in modern Formula 1 is unmatched, but that hasn’t been enough to ward off the impending axe from Visa Cash App RB. Despite an inspired drive in the Miami Sprint to fourth place, the Australian has been unable to match Yuki Tsunoda's consistency since joining the team. Over the course of 2024, Yuki has finished in the top ten of a Grand Prix on seven occasions to Daniel’s three.
The writing was on the wall for Ricciardo, with Liam Lawson’s continued presence in the garage adding fuel to the fire that he’d be ousted before the end of the year. At September’s Singapore Grand Prix, there was an air of fate having been accepted, as Daniel delivered an emotional sign-off following the race.
His final act in the sport could be seen as a thank you to Red Bull and Christian Horner’s enduring loyalty to him during his comeback, and as a gift to his old team-mate Max Verstappen as he snatched the fastest lap point from Lando Norris in the dying moments of the race.
Ricciardo was considered one of F1’s top drivers in the early years of the hybrid era, but his inability to adapt to varying car designs and new regulations has left him a shadow of his former self. In the end, the Red Bull family chose to enact one of its trademark mid-season switches.
The future is uncertain for the eight-time Grand Prix winner, with everything from TV punditry to V8 Supercars and NASCAR being thrown into the ring amid rampant media speculation on his next move.
One thing is for certain, the Aussie will be remembered for his heart-stopping overtakes, endearing personality and a smile that lit up the paddock.
Sargeant unable to match Albon
Logan Sargeant’s 2023 and 2024 seasons mirrored Ricciardo’s in many ways. The American endured a challenging 2023 campaign in which he scored one point – on home soil at the United States Grand Prix in Austin – to Alex Albon’s 27.
Then, a lifeline would come from Williams Team Principal James Vowles at the end of the season, as Sargeant’s place on the grid for 2024 looked increasingly unlikely. He was to be given another chance, and the opportunity to develop this season.
Enough would finally be enough at the Dutch Grand Prix when Sargeant suffered a fourth heavy crash of the year and was unable to match Albon’s pace throughout the weekend, despite having all the necessary car upgrades to do so.
With the midfield battle intensifying – and a resurgent Alpine just three points behind Williams in the Teams’ Standings – it was clear that something had to give.
Vowles was outspoken at Monza, stating that Sargeant had reached the limit of his abilities, but that he had never given any less than 100% on a personal level.
Sargeant’s next move could be a seamless one, with the IndyCar series being a natural fit for any outbound American F1 driver. Although nothing is confirmed yet, the newly announced Prema entry could be an elegant solution for both parties in 2025.
Lawson returns for another bite at the RB cherry
The vacated RB seat clears the way for returnee Liam Lawson, starting from this year’s United States Grand Prix in Austin.
The New Zealander made waves in the paddock when he subbed for the injured Ricciardo during a five race-stint in 2023, besting Tsunoda on debut at Zandvoort, scoring points in Singapore and consistently finishing on the fringes of the top ten.
This season, Lawson’s objectives are clear. He’s been brought in as RB’s battle with Haas over sixth in the Constructors’ intensifies and just three points separate them heading into the final six events.
It’s not just about the Constructors’, though. With Tsunoda seemingly unable to convince the powers that be of his front-running potential, his new team-mate will be assessed not only for a full-time RB seat in 2025, but as a viable replacement for Sergio Perez at the full-fat Red Bull team should his form take another dip next year.
For the 22-year-old, only a comprehensive Tsunoda defeat will do if he’s to be considered an option alongside Verstappen.
Colapinto – a surprising revelation?
From the moment Franco Colapinto stepped into the Williams seat, he’s looked the real deal. But the Argentine’s rise has been far from meteoric, with his most recent title coming in the 2019 F4 Spanish Championship.
Since then, he’s taken third overall in Formula Renault Eurocup, fourth in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 season, and has delivered some impressive alternate strategy drives in FIA Formula 2 this season, winning the Sprint Race in Imola and recording a pair of second-place finishes in the Catalunya and Red Bull Ring Feature Races.
Driving for the Grove outfit in the past three races, Franco has proved that a prodigious reputation like fellow F2 graduate Kimi Antonelli isn’t essential to hit the ground running in F1. The 21-year-old took a superb eighth in Baku and threatened the top ten in both Monza and Singapore. Qualifying has also been a notable highlight for the newcomer, who has been hot on Albon’s heels when it comes to single-lap pace.
Unfortunately for Colapinto, the Williams seat he currently occupies is unavailable for 2025 with the inbound Carlos Sainz set to fill it. That leaves him with few alternatives, but there is an opportunity at Sauber before it becomes the factory Audi outfit in 2026.
Vowles has once again been upfront in the media, admitting that he is open to talks with Sauber about the possibility of Franco driving for them next year. To stake his claim on the last remaining 2025 seat, Franco will likely have to start beating Albon in the final six events and win out against the other contenders in Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto.
