Nicholas Latifi

Biography of F1 driver Nicholas Latifi

Nicholas Latifi didn't begin his career in motorsport until the age of 13. While it may have been later than most of his peers, it didn't prevent him from becoming a full-time F1 driver 11 years later.

Son of Michael Latifi, an Iranian-Canadian businessman who is the CEO of Sofina Foods, the Canadian made his way to the series after finally putting things together in Formula 2 in 2019, finishing runner up to Nyck de Vries in the final standings.

Now tasked with trying to help turn things around at Williams following a disastrous season in 2020, here's everything you need to know about Nicholas Latifi.

Karting career and F3

Latifi's karting career began at the relatively late age of 13 in 2009. Finishing runner-up in the Rotes Junior class of the Canadian National Karting Championship, he continued competing in Martin until 2012, when he won the Florida Winter Tour championship in the Rotes DD2 class. He made one last appearance in the Shifter ROK class of the Florida winter Tour in 2015.

The Canadian's single-seater debut came at the 2012 Italian Formula Three Championship with BVM, where he finished the season in seventh place. The following year Latifi took part in the Toyota Racing Series, finishing ninth.

Latifi took part in a full F3 European Championship season for Carlin in 2013, ending the campaign in 15th with his best result - fifth - coming at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring. He also competed in the British Formula 3 International Series and the 2013 Masters of Formula 3 race, finishing fifth and seventh respectively.

A move to Prema Powerteam alongside Esteban Ocon followed for the 2014 European Formula 3 season, with Latifi finishing 10th after missing the final round due to Formula Renault 3.5. The Canadian took part in the final three rounds for Tech 1 Racing, finishing second in the final race at Jerez and then moving to Arden Motorsport for a full campaign in 2015. He ended the season 11th in the standings.

After taking part in a few races for Hilmer Motorsport in the 2014 GP2 series and four rounds for MP Motorsport the following year, Latifi got a full-time seat at DAMS alongside Alex Lynn in 2016. His best finish, second, came at the opening race in Barcelona. He followed that up with seventh in the sprint race, though he only managed two more points finishes en route to 16th place in the standings, over 100 points behind teammate Lynn.

Formula 2

While the GP2 Series was rebranded as the Formula 2 Championship in 2017, Latifi kept his seat at DAMS alongside new teammate Oliver Rowland. The Canadian was much improved following a disappointing 2016 campaign, taking his first podium at the sprint race in Barcelona with a third place finish. He claimed his first victory at the sporting race at Silverstone, marking his first win in any series since 2012. Latifi ended the season in fifth with 178 points, 13 behind Rowland.

Now partnered by Alexander Albon, 2018 proved to be a step back for the Canadian. After a podium in Baku, Latifi claimed his second F2 win at Spa-Francorchamps. However he ended the season ninth with 91 points, a full 121 behind teammate Albon.

A fourth season with DAMS followed in 2019, this time alongside Sergio Sette Camara. Latifi took the chequered flag at three of the opening five races, leading the champions by 30 points over third-placed Nyck de Vries. However the Dutchman closed the gap to just one point after Latifi could only finish 12th and 10th in Monaco. The Canadian soon found himself trailing, and while he took victory at the feature race in Hungary, he finished runner up to De Vries in the final standings.

F1 beginnings and Williams seat

Latifi signed on as Renault's test driver for the 2016 season, completing 140 laps in the Renault-powered Lotus E20 in May of that year in what was his first taste of F1. He would have to wait a full year to use a car that was in-use, driving a Renault R.S.17 for 141 laps around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Force India hired Latifi as their test and reserve driver for the 2018 season, and he made his Grand Prix weekend debut at FP1 of the Canadian Grand Prix. He made another four FP1 appearances during the season. He took on the same role for Williams in 2019, taking part in six FP1 sessions throughout the season.

The team promoted Latifi to a full-time seat in 2020, replacing Robert Kubica and partnering George Russell. He made his debut at the Austrian Grand Prix, finishing in 11th place after nine cars retired, and qualified 15th for the Hungarian Grand Prix - the only time he made it through to Q2 all season.

Latifi's first retirement came at the Tuscan Grand Prix when he was part of a multi-car accident after the Safety Car restart. In the end Latifi finished his debut season 21st in the Drivers' Championship as he and Williams finished the season without a point.

Despite the disappointing maiden F1 campaign, Williams kept Latifi alongside Russell for the 2021 season.