The speculation is over, Williams confirm Nicholas Latifi’s exit

Michelle Foster
Nicholas Latifi waves to the crowd before the Italian GP. Monza September 2022.

Nicholas Latifi waves to the crowd before the Italian Grand Prix. Monza September 2022.

Nicholas Latifi will part ways with Williams at the end of this season, the team has confirmed.

Although Latifi stepped onto the Formula 1 grid on the back of his runner-up result in the Formula 2 championship, his time with Williams has been anything but a success.

All too often running at the very back of the field, the Canadian has scored just seven points in 55 starts with pundits almost constantly questioning his future.

The final straw was the Italian Grand Prix when Latifi, still point-less this season, was beaten by debutant Nyck de Vries, the latter crossing the line in ninth place.

But while Williams initially stuck by their driver, team boss Jost Capito even going as far as to say last year’s Abu Dhabi crash was a blow to his driver’s confidence, the call has now been made.

Latifi has thanked Williams for his three seasons with the team.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Latifi did not reveal his plans for 2023, neither did Capito.

Nicholas Latifi, Williams, smiling with his hand on top of his head. Hungary, July 2022.

“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,” said the German team boss.

“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.”

Wiliams are said to be considering junior driver Logan Sargeant as well as De Vries while Mick Schumacher’s name has also been thrown into the mix.