Sad Latifi says Canadian GP call-off 'inevitable'

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Williams rookie Nicholas Latifi won't be making his F1 race debut on home ground after Tuesday's postponement of the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Montreal event is the ninth round of the 2020 F1 world championship to be called off as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, a decision Latifi labeled as "inevitable".

"Naturally, I’m sad that I’ll have to wait for the chance to race at my home F1 event," the 24-year-old driver wrote on his website.

"Since I’ve been competing, my ambition has been to represent my country at the highest level. And I’ve been looking forward to June’s race in Montreal ever since I was announced as a driver with Williams.

"But as action to control the spread of the virus stepped up, and other Montreal festivals were delayed or cancelled, today’s news was inevitable, I guess."

Montreal officially confirms Canadian GP postponement

Latifi offered a word of consolation to his home race's organisers as well as to the fans.

"My thoughts right now are with the race organising team who work flat out all year to put on such a great event," he added. "And obviously today’s news is disappointing for the awesome Canadian fans who always turn out in their thousands to watch us race.

"We had some fun things planned for the GP, but we’ll have to pause those for the time being. If I have to wait a little bit longer for a rearranged race, that’s just how it is.

"Other drivers also face the prospect of their home race being disrupted.

"Fingers crossed the Canadian GP does happen at some stage this year. For now, my focus is on training and preparation so I’m 100% ready for when we do get the chance to go racing again."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.