Nicholas Latifi is expecting an “easier” Formula 1 debut this weekend as the new season finally begins in Austria.
The Canadian is the only rookie on the 2020 grid, having taken the seat of Robert Kubica, and is no doubt desperate to get going following the coronavirus lockdown.
But ironically with the new normal of F1 much more comparable to regular F2, where he raced last year, he expects to feel much more at ease.
“What should help me is the fact that Austria is a track I know well,” Latifi said via Motorsport Week in his race preview.
“It’s the only one I’ve competed at every year since I’ve been racing. Australia would have been a new track for me to discover – and it isn’t the easiest.
“Another potential positive is that with fewer media, spectators, partners or sponsors around, I will have more time to focus on the driving.
“So much of a Formula 1 race weekend is taken up by all the other things you have to do besides the driving and engineering stuff. Without so much of it in Austria, I reckon it might be an easier environment.”
But while Latifi might feel more familiar with the new F1 paddock, he still believes it will take some time to be a match for his teammate George Russell.
“From a results and expectations point of view, at this point in the season it’s too early to predict much, as I really have to see where the car is going to be,” he commented.
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“I expect George to have an advantage in the early races, as he isn’t a rookie any more, but I want to push him where I can.
“In my first race, I’m just going to try and take everything as it comes, step-by-step, and get up to speed quickly.
“I’m under no illusions though. I’m making my F1 race debut and there’s a lot to learn. The fact that I’ve had to wait a bit longer than planned doesn’t change anything.”