Nicholas Latifi

## Career Overview

### **Williams (2020 - 2022)**

F2 graduate Nicholas Latifi made his F1 debut with Williams-Honda for the 2020 F1 season. Many F1 and Williams team fans view this as a very unpopular move, as Latifi hasn't had the greatest success in lower Formula, and was beaten convincingly by DAMS teammate Sergio Sette Camara in F2 last year. Latifi is bringing $30M in sponsorship for the Williams drive though, which no doubt helped him secure the seat.

From testing showed Latifi to have strong race pace, not far off defending Champion teammate Mick Schumacher. The Canadian, however appeared to be struggling over one lap on qualifying simulations.

The Canadian performed exceptionally on race debut. Qualifying one place behind defending Champion teammate Mick Schumacher, Latifi had a clean race to pick up a point at race end. The Canadian would put the world on notice at round 2. Lafiti qualified 6th on the short layout of COTA. A lightning start saw him move into third at turn one. With an excellent display of defensive driving, Latifi would hold off many of the faster cars throughout the race, only dropping to 7th at race end.

Williams unveiled their proper 2020 challenger, the FW42 for round 5 at Spain. Early results were promising, the car appeared to be much more stable and predictable through cornering, and a more efficient aero package cut drag. Mick Schmacher was on course for a top 5 in the race, but a loss of hydraulic pressure forced the defending Champion to retire on track. Latifi had an eventful race moving through the mid fiends, and had a near race long battle with 2019 DAMS F2 teammate Sergio Sette Camara. latifi finished the race in 10th.

Nicholas Latifi claimed a breakthrough podium at the German Grand Prix. Starting from 11th, on Medium tyres, the Canadian made the most of a mid-race Safety Car to find himself in second place. Then followed a battle for the ages - Rio Haryanto in his McLaren, and Latifi trading second place on multiple occasions. On the final lap of the race, Haryanto made a move into the hairpin, and was able to steal second from the young Canadian. Latifi held onto third to take Williams' first podium of the season.

#### **2021**

Proving he's more than a pay driver, Nicholas Latifi started his second season with the team.

Williams' lack of pace was revealed at the opening race, with neither Latifi or Hulkenberg finishing in the points.

It was announced during the week leading up to the French Grand Prix, that the Williams team had been sold to Investment Firm Dorilton Capital. This move secured the long-term future of the team, but would lead to a management restructure, as both Frank and Claire Williams would depart from the team. With the sale came also the team's race entry, so the 22 points already scored by Hulkenberg and Latifi would remain. Latifi retired early on in the race during the race with a mechanical problem, whilst Hulkenberg would go on to finish the race in 12th and secure a point.

Latifi struggled over the difficult shortened season in 20th, last of the full time drivers.

#### **2022**

Latifi was dropped to the reserve role for 2022, but made a one off return at the French Grand Prix in place of the injured Alexander Albon. Despite completing simulator work, this was the first time the Canadian had sat in the FW44. Latifi had a quiet race in mixed conditions and managed to go the distance, finishing in 18th.

## Racing Record (Formula One Results Only)

Results on bold indicate Championships won.

 **2021** | Williams Racing | Williams FW43
 **2022** | Dorilton Williams Racing | Williams FW44