Latifi sad but 'grateful' for privilege of racing in F1 for three years

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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."

Read also: Latifi dismisses 'quite funny' news of move to IndyCar

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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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.