Nicholas Latifi's notable moments in Formula 1

– Hungary 2021: its first finish in the points

© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

Arrived in Formula 1 in 2020, Nicholas latifi had to be patient before registering his first units. in the championship The Canadian had notably failed to get out of the points gate three times during his first season (including a good 11th place in Austria, for his first Grand Prix). Salvation will finally come to Hungary, thanks first to a beautiful combination of circumstances. Starting in 18th position on the grid, the driver Williams took advantage of the pileup to climb… to 3rd place after the red flag! An unexpected stroke of luck for Latifi who, even if he will not be able to get the podium in his modest Williams, will still score his first 6 points in Formula 1 (7th).

– Spa 2021: another point in Russell’s shadow

© Florent Gooden / DPPI

At the Grand Prix following the feat at the Hungaroring, Nicholas Latifi and Williams will confirm their good form with points scored again at Spa-Francorchamps. The Montreal native, who had managed to qualify 12th the day before in the rain, took advantage of Pérez's accident and the penalties to move up to 9th place at the start. At the end of an epic Grand Prix of… 2 laps, contested under Safety Car, the Canadian saw his efforts rewarded with another point (scale divided by two since the race had not reached half of the laps initially planned). A superb performance which goes almost unnoticed, far from his teammate George Russell on the podium.

– Abu Dhabi 2021: the key factor of the championship

Unfortunately for Nicholas Latifi, his career could be affected by “Timo Glock syndrome”. In 10 years, ask any F1 fan who Latifi is, and they will surely answer: “Ah yes, the driver who gave Verstappen the title!” ". Like the German driver in 2008, the Canadian was, despite himself, the disruptive element for the outcome of the 2021 championship. Accident 5 laps from the finish after a bitter duel with Mick Schumacher (for the penultimate place), the Williams driver caused a cascade of a safety car, which then led to the coronation of Max Verstappen following questionable decisions by Michael Masi, race director at the time.

– Silverstone 2022: a first appearance in Q3

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After a very difficult start to the 2022 season, victim of several accidents and regularly beaten by his new teammate Alexander albon, Nicholas Latifi will once again reveal himself in the rain, at Silverstone. With Williams at ease on fast circuits, the Ontarian surprised everyone with a first appearance in Q3 in his career. A praised performance which (temporarily) saves the reputation of the Canadian pilot. Unfortunately, he could not convert his good qualification during the British Grand Prix and failed in 12th place. 

– Hungary 2022: A first place… in Free Practice

© Antonin Vincent / DPPI

Nicholas Latifi's latest success dates back to the Hungarian Grand Prix. The one nicknamed “Goatifi” on social networks will achieve a great performance during Free Practice 3, once again in rainy conditions. On a drying track, the Williams driver achieved the best time of the session, a first in his career. With almost 7 tenths better than Charles Leclerc – himself impressed on the radio by Latifi’s rhythm – the Canadian surprised his people and made more than one smile. If the result is only anecdotal, Nicholas Latifi proved that he was still capable of adapting to difficult conditions.

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