Formula 1 setup Williams have confirmed that driver Nicholas Latifi will be leaving the team following the end of the 2022 season. Latifi joined Williams in 2020, but has struggled to secure consistent points for the Oxfordshire-based team over the past three seasons.
The Canadian driver has endured another difficult year this campaign, sitting rock bottom of the F1 standings having delivered no points in 2022 - the only full-time driver to do so this season. Following his recent form rumours surrounding his future had begun to grow.
And now Williams have confirmed his upcoming departure after releasing a statement on social media.
Writing on Twitter, they confirmed: "Williams Racing and Nicholas Latifi will part ways at the end of the 2022 Season. We want to thank Nicky for his commitment and hard work over the last 3 years and wish him all the best in the next steps of his career."
Latifi's loss could well be Mick Schumacher's gain though, with the German set to be released from Haas following the end of the 2022 season. With seats quickly being snapped up, there had been cause for concern for Schumacher's 2023 plans.
However a door opening with Williams could well prove to perfect opportunity for the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. Rumours surrounding a move for the German youngster to the British-based team heightened this month, after Williams boss Jost Capito claimed Schumacher should be 'on the list' of teams looking for a new man.
Capito told Sky Germany: "Of course, you look at what the other drivers are doing. We haven’t decided on the second driver yet. We’re keeping our options open, and there are a lot of options.
"But there are also a lot of up-and-coming drivers when you see what’s happening in Formula 2. There are some good drivers who deserve a place in Formula 1. We also have to see what the other teams are doing.
“We also have contracts with the other team bosses, and you know relatively well what’s going on in the background. Mick is very fast and a good guy. He should be on the list of the teams that still have a seat.”
