Williams insists Nicholas Latifi will remain with the team for the rest of this Formula 1 season.
The Canadian has had a tough start to this season, including several crashes and is one of just two drivers yet to score a point along with Haas’ Mick Schumacher.
Latifi also has failed to finish higher than 14th, while new teammate Alex Albon has scored points twice in the past three races and just missed out in 11th at Imola.
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This difference has led to speculation over his future, with some questioning if Latifi will even see out the year at Williams.
But team boss Jost Capito cited a better race in Miami to defend his driver.
“We have contracts with both drivers and we respect them,” he told Germany’s SPORT1 magazine AvD Motor & Sport.
“Latifi was only slightly slower than Albon on Saturday. He needs a bit more time to get used to the new car, but he has our full support and for us, there is no question at the moment of changing anything about our driver pairing during the season.”
FP1 ready! @nyckdevries ? pic.twitter.com/uUyYU3DLVG
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 16, 2022
More eyes were raised on Monday, when Williams announced Mercedes reserve and Formula E world champion Nyck De Vries will drive for the team in Practice 1 at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Though it is one of two mandatory young driver outings each team must do during this season, the Dutchman will replace Albon for the session, meaning a direct comparison between De Vries and Latifi.
Another name also touted is Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri, with the current F2 champion eager to get his chance in F1 in 2023.