“I believe he has the potential,” Williams CEO shows his support towards Nicholas Latifi after critical comments on his performance
Follow Us
Jos Capito and F1 driver Nicolas Latifi
Nicholas Latifi joined the Williams F1 team back in 2020 as a replacement for outgoing driver Robert Kubica. Since then, he has not had any particular standout performances. It has been observed that he has always been beaten fair and square by his teammates in his F1 career so far. The Canadian driver had to suffer a lot of criticism when all went sideways for him at the Italian Grand Prix.
With Alex Albon not being able to compete in the Italian GP race weekend after Friday due to a health emergency, Nyck De Vries was chosen as the pilot to replace the Thai driver who was bed ridden. With just a small FP3 session under his belt driving and getting used to a new F1 car, Nyck went to qualify ahead of Nicholas Latifi which amounted to half of the criticism that the Canadian received. What went on in the race was a bit embarrassing.
Nyck Dr Vries finished P9 on his debut meanwhile Nicholas Latifi was unable to score any points for the team and dropped down to 21st in a 20-driver championship which further instigated the second half of the criticism. Although Williams CEO Jos Capito has publicly defended Latifi and believes that he still has what it takes to be in F1. He went on to give his thoughts on the situation.
“The pressure for Nikki is quite more than for Nyck,” Jos Capito states in a statement to defend Nicholas Latifi in the media
He further went on to state his reasoning. “I think that’s a normal race driver’s pressure isn’t it?” he told Sky Sports. “You always have to be better than your team-mates,” Jos continued.
“And I think the pressure for Nikki is quite more than for Nyck. Because he is in the car for all year and then Nyck sets the bar knowing he just jumped in so the pressure is less on him,” he said.
“I think we are in no rush,” he said. “There are too many balls in the air right now and we’ve got still the time to decide and see how he performs,” Jos concluded while referring to whether Nicolas Latifi will be retained for next season or not.
Jos Capito has done something that most team Principals wouldn’t have done. Instead of criticising his driver, Jos went on to show his support towards Nicholas Latifi. This however doesn’t change the fact that he could easily be replaced if the team thought that it would be necessary. It’s troubling times ahead for the Canadian driver as he future in the sport is in danger.
Also read : “I have kept my mouth shut long enough,” Alexander Rossi bashes F1 over harsh treatment of Colton Herta
Also read : Can Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton win a championship for Ferrari in their current guise?
Stay Updated!
Varad Joshi
(940 Articles Published)