Nicholas Latifi admits his career in F1 will likely come to an end this evening at Yas Marina, but while saddened by the closure, the Williams driver also feels privileged to have raced for three seasons among motorsport's elite
Since 2020, Latifi's time and life in F1 has been a difficult haul, endured with a team that never fielded a competitive car.
Overall, the Canadian has scored nine championship points from his 60 race starts with Williams.
The Grove-based outfit has retained Alex Albon for 2023 but has opted to part ways with Latifi to make way for young American hopeful Logan Sargeant.
"There’s obviously a range of different emotions," said Latifi on the eve of his final F1 outing.
"I mean, for sure, when I found out the news I wasn’t going to be continuing with the team, there were six races to go.
"So I went in with the approach to enjoy each opportunity, try to make the most of it, and try to enjoy as much as I can and not sweat or stress about the little stuff. Or what seems like the little stuff in hindsight that’s been difficult to deal with throughout the season.
"And obviously now, we’ve arrived at the last race which, on the one hand felt like it was very slowly approaching but on the other hand, quite quickly, so a bit of a weird position."
Although Latifi's career in F1 has now reached a dead end, the disappointing outcome won't wipe out the deep sense of gratitude and privilege he feels for having been given the chance to spend three years in F1.
"Coming into the race, for sure it’s a bit sad, and then disappointing," he said. "I mean, I would love to continue on in Formula 1. I mean, that’s my goal. That’s where I want to be.
"But it’s looking obviously, like, it’s not going to be the case. So, you know, I’m grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had these three years, I know the very privileged position I’ve been in.
"Many drivers would kill to drive one race, let alone, three years in F1, so I’m very grateful for that and just looking to enjoy it as much as I can."
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