Logan Sargeant *will* drive for Williams in 2024

Down tools at the gossip column factory: it looks like there won’t be any festive F1 speculation because Logan Sargeant has locked down the last available seat on the grid for 2024.

The US rookie struggled in his debut season, chipping in just one point as teammate Alex Albon dragged Williams to seventh in the constructors’ championship, but he retained the public backing of the team throughout the campaign.

And now he’s been upgraded to contractual backing, with the t’s crossed and i’s dotted on a deal that’ll keep him at Williams for another season.

“I am thrilled to be continuing with Williams Racing for the 2024 season,” said the 22-year-old. “It has been an incredible journey with the team so far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing as a driver within such a talented and dedicated group.

“We have exciting plans for the future, and I can't wait to contribute to the team's success in the coming year."

And team principal James Vowles said: “I am pleased to continue our journey with Logan into the 2024 season. Logan has demonstrated immense skill whilst under the pressure of the world stage, making him a perfect fit for our team. We have great confidence in his abilities and believe that together we can achieve even greater success in the upcoming season.”

In theory that means all 20 F1 seats are filled for 2024, although we’re no strangers to last-minute switcheroos. It was only last year that Kevin Magnussen’s shock return to Haas was announced on the eve of the new season, replacing the universally popular and all-round nice chap… wait, we’re misremembering.

Maybe it wouldn’t be wise to count our chickens for next season just yet. Remember Sergio Perez was utterly trounced by Max Verstappen (wasn’t everyone) this season, and while Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted it was the “intention” to honour the last year of the Mexcan’s contract, there does appear to be some wiggle room in that commitment…

Let’s wait and see.