Williams has confirmed Nicholas Latifi will leave the team at the end of this Formula 1 season.
Speculation over the Canadian’s future has been growing after a disappointing year that sees Latifi as the only full-time driver yet to score a point in 2022.
In fact, Latifi has only scored points twice in his three years at Williams, achieving his best result of seventh in Hungary last year, before finishing ninth in the Belgian GP that famously featured no racing laps at all.
Instead, the 27-year-old may be better known for his role in the 2021 championship fight, as his crash during the finale in Abu Dhabi caused the Safety Car which allowed Max Verstappen to pass Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to clinch the title after controversial decisions by former race director Michael Masi.
Latifi was sent death threats on social following the race, and Williams chief Jost Capito recently suggested the impact of that race may still be affecting him.
Even so, the decision has now been made by Williams to part with Latifi.
“On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say an enormous thank you to Nicholas for his three years of hard work with Williams,” said Capito.
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“He is a great team player who has a great attitude towards his colleagues and work and is well-liked and respected throughout the business.
“Our time together is now coming to an end, but I know he will put full effort in to maximise what we can do together for the remainder of this season.
“We wish him all the very best of luck for his future, both in and out of the cockpit.”
Responding to the news, Latifi was gracious.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Williams Racing – all the people back at the factory and those I work with trackside – for the last three years,” he said.
“My initial F1 debut was postponed due to the pandemic but we eventually got going in Austria and, although we have not achieved the results together we hoped we would, it’s still been a fantastic journey.
“Getting those first points in Hungary last year was a moment I’ll never forget, and I will move onto the next chapter of my career with special memories of my time with this dedicated team.
“I know none of us will stop putting in every effort until the end of the season.”
There was no indication of his potential replacement, but Williams junior Logan Sargeant, Monza substitute Nyck De Vries, Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher have all been mentioned as potential options.