Williams have announced that Nicholas Latifi is to leave the team at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season. Former Formula 2 driver Latifi was promoted into a race seat ahead of the 2020 season, partnering George Russell - but went pointless in his maiden season. The Canadian then scored his first points in the chaotic 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a seventh place finish, and followed it up with ninth in Belgium at the next race for a total of seven points. So far in the 2022 season, Latifi's best finish is 12th in Britain as he has struggled to match teammate Alex Albon while stand-in Nyck De Vries also out-performed him during the Italian Grand Prix as he scored a ninth-place finish while Latifi could only manage 15th at Monza. Latifi was subjected to online abuse and death threats after his crash with five laps to go in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix triggered a Safety Car. Then-race director Michael Masi's failure to adhere to the restart procedures meant that Max Verstappen, on fresh Soft tyres was able to pass Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes - on worn Hards - on the final lap to take the World Championship title.
1573236837464047618
So, I’m parting ways with @WilliamsRacing at the end of the year. Honoured to have represented them for the last 3 years. A massive thanks to the whole team – it’s been an incredible journey and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Determined to end 2022 positively. 6 races left! pic.twitter.com/gN5xWsUUH2 — Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) September 23, 2022
Latifi hails "fantastic journey"
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Williams Racing - all the people back at the factory and those I work with trackside - for the last three years," Latifi said in a team statement. "My initial F1 debut was postponed due to the pandemic but we eventually got going in Austria and, although we have not achieved the results together we hoped we would, it’s still been a fantastic journey. "Getting those first points in Hungary last year was a moment I’ll never forget, and I will move onto the next chapter of my career with special memories of my time with this dedicated team. I know none of us will stop putting in every effort until the end of the season." Jost Capito - the Williams Team Principal and CEO hailed Latifi's "great attitude" and the respect he has earned. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say an enormous thank you to Nicholas for his three years of hard work with Williams," he said. "He is a great team player who has a great attitude towards his colleagues and work and is well liked and respected throughout the business. Our time together is now coming to an end, but I know he will put full effort in to maximise what we can do together for the remainder of this season. "We wish him all the very best of luck for his future, both in and out of the cockpit."
Most read
