Williams clarifies stance on mid-season driver change

Williams boss Jost Capito says the Grove-based outfit is committed to keeping Nicholas Latifi in his seat until the end of the season, but the team is keeping its options opened for 2023.

Latifi's short-term future with Williams came under question following the Canadian's disappointing string of results this season and performance gap with teammate Alex Albon.

The 27-year-old who is in his third year with Williams hinted recently at a fundamental issue hiding under the hood of his car that is weighing on his performance.

Amid Latifi's difficulties, rumors emerged that Williams was mulling an in-season change, suggesting that Alpine junior Oscar Piastri could take over the Canadian's seat.

Ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, Capito said once again that there will be no deliberate in-season driver changes at Williams between now and the end of the 2022 campaign.

"We can never confirm [that there will be no changes] but it's not the plan," said the German.

"If he breaks a leg then we have to have a replacement, but it's not the plan to replace any of the two drivers during the season."

• Read also: 'Q3 more than we could have hoped for' says Latifi

However, regarding next year, Capito said that Williams had not finalized its driver line-up plans.

"It's difficult to say because I think we have to see what prospects there are, and we have to do the best for the team for next year. But there are various options," he said.

Queried on Alpine's plans for Piastri, team boss Otmar Szafnauer had nothing to add.

"As far as a seat at Williams, I think it's best to ask Jost," said the American.

"It's great to have one of our young drivers be wanted by other Formula 1 teams, it just shows that he's got good potential, which we're aware of."

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