Nicholas Latifi can finally make his Formula 1 debut this weekend. The young Canadian gets, unlike his teammate George Russell, some updates to his car.
As the weakest racing stable of last year, Williams was the first team to hold a press conference in accordance with the corona regulations. Latifi and Russell sat two meters apart with masks on and answered questions from journalists via a video link. Later in the day the other teams will also speak to the media in this way.
Williams drivers said Latifi will be upgrading his car this weekend. Russell has to wait for that.
Williams was constantly at the rear of Formula 1 last year, scoring just one World Cup point. Experienced Pool Robert Kubica had to make way for Latifi at the end of the year.
–
Latifi cannot wait for debut
The Canadian, who turned 25 on Saturday, finished second last year in the Formula 2 championship behind Nyck de Vries. Thanks to the support of his father and billionaire Michael Latifi, the driver was able to switch to Formula 1.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Latifi on Thursday. “Of course I had to wait a long time, because I would actually make my debut in Australia in March.”
Due to the coronavirus, the season starts with a double race in Austria almost four months later than planned. “It’s been a long way here. I can’t wait to finally get on the track.”
Latifi expects to need some time to get to know his new car. “It will be a bit awkward at first. Formula 1 has its own procedures and a new standard and I have to adapt to that.”
Latifi is the only newcomer to Formula 1 this season. At Renault, Frenchman Esteban Ocon is making a comeback after a year’s absence from the sport, succeeding Nico Hülkenberg.
GP Austria times
- First training: Friday 11 am
- Second training: Friday 3 pm
- Third training: Saturday noon
- Qualification: Saturday 3 pm
- Race: Sunday 3.10 p.m.
–
–
–
– .
