Nicholas Latifi made his Formula 1 debut with Williams early in the 2020 season, signing a three-year contract, but struggled to match teammates George Russell and Alex Albon in terms of results.
The Canadian driver’s departure had been expected for several months, but on Friday morning Williams confirmed the news, revealing that his expiring contract will not be extended any further.
Grove’s team also said it will announce the name of Latifi’s replacement, who will join Albon in 2023, “in due course”.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of Williams Racing, all the people at the factory and those I have been working with on the track for the past three years,” said Latifi in a press release.
“My debut in Formula 1 was postponed due to the pandemic, but in the end we left in Austria and, even if we didn’t get the results we were hoping for, it was still a fantastic journey.”
“Getting my first points in Hungary last year was a moment I will never forget and I will move on to the next chapter of my career with a special memory of my time with this team. I know none of us will stop working hard until the end of the season. season, “he concluded.
Nicholas Latifi, Williams FW44
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Latifi failed to score points during his first full season at Williams, when the team was fighting at the back of the grid. His first major F1 result came in Hungary last year when he finished seventh, helping Williams secure their first points after more than two years.
But after the accident in last year’s Abu Dhabi season finale and the impact of the subsequent Safety Car on the championship, Latifi was subjected to death threats and severe online abuse, which affected him mentally.
This season Latifi failed to finish a race beyond 12th place, while both Albon and Nyck de Vries – who replaced Albon at Monza – managed to score points for Williams.
Williams F1 team principal Jost Capito paid tribute to Latifi, calling him “a great team player, who has a great attitude towards colleagues and work and is well-liked and respected throughout the company.”
“Our time together is coming to an end, but I know he will do his utmost to maximize what we can do together for the rest of this season,” said Capito. “We wish him the best of luck for his future, both inside and outside the cockpit.”
Latifi told Zandvoort that he would not consider other options for 2023 until his future with Williams was defined, but the chances of staying on the F1 grid seem remote.
Williams is known to be considering de Vries for a full-time signing in 2023, but the team faces competition from Alpine and AlphaTauri for the Dutchman’s signing.
Another option for Williams is one of their Academy drivers, Logan Sargeant, who currently races in Formula 2 and needs a top five finish to get a Super license. Another candidacy could then be that of Antonio Giovinazzi.
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