Latifi to leave Williams following 2022 Formula 1 season

Williams Racing has confirmed that Nicholas Latifi will leave the team following three campaigns at Grove.

Latifi joined Williams in 2020 following a year as their reserve driver, partnering George Russell at the British outfit for two seasons before partnering Alex Albon in 2022.

In his time in F1, Latifi has been comprehensively outperformed by his teammates, most recently stand-in Nyck de Vries at the Italian Grand Prix where the Dutchman scored points in his first F1 race.

Following this defeat, Latifi’s time in the sport will come to an end, with the team releasing a statement about the decision. Team principal Jost Capito said:

“On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say an enormous thank you for three years of hard work with Williams.

“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.”

Although Latifi is a well-liked character throughout the paddock, there is no doubt that his performance has been lacking in recent seasons, with three difficult campaigns alongside stronger teammates.

Latifi discussed his career, naming his highlights since 2020:

“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 been a fantastic journey.

“Getting those points in Hungary last year was a moment I’ll never forget, and I move onto the next chapter of my career with special memories of my time with this dedicated team.”

With De Vries set to head to AlphaTauri following talks with Helmut Marko, it appears that Williams is set to promote its junior driver Logan Sargeant, who is currently fighting for the top-three in Formula 2.

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