Nicholas Latifi disappointed to be leaving Williams - but 'understands decision'

The Canadian joined Williams in 2020 and was pretty much out-paced by team-mate George Russell, but he was able to get a seventh place at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, which was seen as a career breakthrough. Then with Russell departing to join Mercedes, Alex Albon became Latifi's new team-mate.

So far in 2022, Albon has managed to score four points while Latifi has zero, which has now led to Williams confirming, days ago, that the Canadian driver won't be part of their team for 2023.

"I do understand the decision; at the end of the day, it's a results-based industry, performance-based industry and this year it didn't work out for many different reasons," the 27-year-old Latifi said.

"I've spoken about some of the struggles I had earlier this year, some things in my control, some things out of my control, that's always how it's going to go in this sport. I just didn't get the results that were needed."

Despite very few seats available for 2023, Latifi believes he still has six races left in the current campaign to prove he is capable being part of another F1 team for next season.

"Formula 1 is definitely where I want to be, it's the pinnacle of motorsport and what I've dedicated most of my life to. If there's an option here, I'd be silly to say no, but for now, just focus on the last six races," Latifi said.

"I mean realistically having a good last six races is the best thing in order to continue along the F1 path.

"I understand and accept the decision and I just need to focus on the last six races and ending this chapter of my career with Williams on a high and then focus on what's next in my career," he added.