Nicholas Latifi confirms he has spoken to teams in IndyCar but stated “nothing has been signed” for 2023.
The Canadian is looking for a drive next year after Williams announced after the Italian Grand Prix his contract would not be renewed.
Commenting on that decision, Latifi admitted disappointment but understood the team’s reasoning.
“I mean I obviously would love to stay in F1 you know, it’s what I’ve been working towards for a very good chunk of my life. The pinnacle of motorsport is where I want to be,” he said.
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“But at the end of the day, this is a results-based industry, it always has been, and unfortunately it just hasn’t worked out this year for many different reasons.
“Some in my control, some out of my control, that’s motorsport and it’s always been the case for everyone up and down the grid.
“So yeah, now for the rest of the year, I’m just looking to end on as high a note as possible and kind of close this chapter of three years with Williams off and focus on what’s next, whatever that is.”
One high note came at Suzuka where a strong drive earned Latifi a ninth place finish in the rain-shortened race, meaning every full-time driver has now scored points in 2022.
And this week, media reports linked the Toronto native to a seat at Ganassi Racing in IndyCar for next year, but he laughed them off on Thursday in Austin.
“Still TBC,” he said of his future, “apparently, going off some journalism I’ve seen, I’m already signed up to race in IndyCar but I’ve not decided on anything yet.
“I’ve spoken to a few different teams in various championships but nothing has been signed.”
Williams is set to reveal their new second driver for 2023 on Saturday, with American F2 driver Logan Sargeant expected to earn a promotion.
He’s ready for his first FP1 session on home soil! ???#WeAreWilliams #USGP pic.twitter.com/5pg48YUiKv
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) October 18, 2022
But on the decision to drop Latifi, team boss Jost Capito admitted this year simply didn’t go as hoped.
“As I mentioned at Monza, I believe Nicky’s performance has been impacted by last year’s Abu Dhabi outcome and circumstances after that,” he said.
“Then I think his performance was this year not on the level he expected of his performance himself. And we didn’t expect his performance to be like this.
“So, and then after three years, I think it’s right for the team and the driver to find different opportunities for both.”
