Nicholas Latifi is acutely aware that his place in Williams’ roster is in jeopardy unless he steps up his game.
Latifi is one of only two drivers on the 2022 grid still without a point this season, the other being Haas’ Mick Schumacher.
The mid-term of the 2021 campaign and beyond was undoubtedly Latifi’s strongest spell in Formula 1 with Williams, with the Canadian driver scoring seven points and ending the season on a similar level of performance to his Mercedes-linked teammate. george russell.
But with the arrival of Alex Albon to partner Latifi from 2022, Albon has consistently shone as a standout driver in this pairing, with Albon scoring three points in the first eight races.
Latifi has been forced to deal with mounting pressure as talk of his exit continues to grow.
And he’s not denying the situation, with Latifi knowing instead that his current performances aren’t good enough to cement his place at Williams.
“For sure I need to improve my performance,” he said. The Journal of Montreal.
“I would be lying if I told you that my place in the team is secure. I am aware that the situation has to change.
That said, looking at all the drivers without a contract beyond 2022, he doesn’t feel like he’s top of the list to get the axe.
Latifi finds himself alongside Alpine’s Fernando AlonsoAston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel and Schumacher as no-deal drivers after 2022.
When asked if he was sitting on the ejection seat, Latifi replied: “No more than any other driver on the grid whose contract expires at the end of the season.
“I have to admit that since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix I haven’t had a good feeling in the car.”
But at this point, with Albon clearly more in tune with the Williams FW44 than Latifi, the Canadian admits it is his responsibility to change that.
“He (Albon) adapted to the new car faster than me and it’s up to me to change things,” Latifi said.
Next up is Latifi’s home race, the Canadian Grand Prix, where he hopes the home atmosphere and support will push him to improve his performance.
And as Formula 1 has not visited Canada since 2019 due to the global pandemic, this will mark Latifi’s first experience racing in front of a home crowd since her go-kart days.
“As surprising as it may seem, I have never raced in my country except in karting,” he said. “I want to fully experience this first presence.
“I have memories of memorable victories by great drivers here in Montreal. The Gilles-Villeneuve circuit has often been the scene of spectacular races.
Comments are closed.