The news that Nico Hulkenberg would be leaving Haas at the end of the 2024 season and joining Sauber has created the latest twist in the Formula 1 driver’s market.
All of a sudden, Haas have gone from the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship last year to an attractive proposal for plenty of drivers this year, especially for those who are in danger of losing their current seats.
A report from Racing News 365 has provided more details on who wants to be racing for the American outfit next year.
Nico Hulkenberg has been sensational this season and it’s no wonder that Audi have moved quickly to bring him in before their introduction to the grid in 2026.
That has opened up at least one space in the team next year, although Kevin Magnussen could follow Hulkenberg out of the team as he isn’t guaranteed to be driving for Haas next season either.
It means Haas are now one of the most attractive prospects for drivers on the grid and the management team of Williams driver Logan Sargeant is said to be in talks with the team.
Sargeant might be the only driver on the grid at more risk of losing his seat than Magnussen at this stage.
He may not even see out the rest of the 2024 season, but the idea of an American driver at an American team could be his saving brace.
Logan Sargeant’s management have entered talks with Haas
At the end of the 2023 season, Logan Sargeant and Haas were in very similar positions.
After his rookie campaign, he finished bottom of the Drivers’ Championship, while Haas finished last out of the 10 Constructors.
Both parties needed to make big steps forward over the winter, with Williams team principal James Vowles telling Sargeant he needed to be the surprise of the season.
Haas replaced Guenther Steiner with Ayao Komatsu and the Japanese engineer warned not to expect too much.
However, Haas have hit the ground running in 2024 and currently sit above Alpine, Williams and Sauber in the standings.
Sargeant may already know that the writing is on the wall at Williams and entering talks with Haas might be one of his final options if he wants to stay in the sport.
However, the £15,000-a-week driver isn’t expected to be their first choice.
Haas have plenty of options for the 2025 F1 season
The report suggests that several rookies are looking to reach Formula 1 next year including Jack Doohan, Zak O’Sullivan and Zane Maloney.
However, it’s unlikely that Haas will run two rookies next year with Oliver Bearman expected to join the team in 2025.
That opens up a possibility for Sargeant and his manager has entered talks with Haas over a potential move.
He is said to have a ‘decent hand’ to play, but the driver Vowles has described as ‘incredible’ will have to wait and see.
Guanyu Zhou is understood to be the favourite to potentially replace Kevin Magnussen next year and is in a stronger position than Sargeant based on his performances this season.
It would be a real surprise if Haas decided to bring in Sargeant for 2025.
He’s struggled to get anywhere near Alex Albon for the majority of his time with Williams and too often has crashed the car at pivotal moments.
Sargeant may have been promoted to F1 too quickly by Williams out of necessity, but with so many talented drivers on the grid and rapid rookies hoping to make the step up, it’s hard to justify the American earning a third season in F1.