Although Latifi entered the Formula 1 grid on the back of his second result in the Formula 2 championship, his time with Williams was anything but successful. Often running at the 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 without a point this season, was beaten by debutant Nyck de Vries, the latter crossing the line in ninth place. But while Williams had initially stuck by their driver, with team boss Jost Capito going so far as to say that last year’s crash in Abu Dhabi was a blow to his driver’s confidence, the call has now been made. Latifi thanked Williams for his three seasons with the team. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Williams Racing – all the people back at the factory and those I’ve been working with on the track – over the past three years,” he said. “My initial F1 debut was postponed due to the pandemic, but we finally started in Austria and, although we haven’t achieved the results we’d hoped for, it’s still been a fantastic journey. “Getting those first points in Hungary last year was a moment I will never forget and I will move into the next chapter of my career with special memories of my time with this dedicated team. I know none of us will stop trying until the end of the season. Latifi did not reveal his plans for 2023, and neither did Capito. “On behalf of the entire team, I would like to say a huge thank you to Nicolas 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 colleagues and his work and is well liked and respected across the business. “Our time together is now coming to an end, but I know he will do everything possible to maximize what we can do together for the rest of this season. “We wholeheartedly wish him the best of luck for his future, both in and out of the cockpit.” Williams 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.
