Latifi explains why he is now ready for Formula 1
F1 News
Nicholas Latifi is preparing for his first season in Formula 1 having been in GP2 or Formula 2 since 2014. The new Williams driver has admitted that these experiences have made sure he is ready for the step up.
Latifi drove in several free practise sessions during the 2019 season but will make the step up and become a fully-fledged F1 driver next season. He'll replace Robert Kubica who lasted only one season during his fairytale return.
He'll partner George Russell who he competed against during the 2018 F2 season. Latifi has admitted his experience in the feeder series have helped him prepare for the big time.
“For sure I think if I had gone into Formula 1 two or three years ago, I wouldn’t have felt as ready and prepared as I do now,” Latifi said as quoted by Motorsportweek.
“A lot of people don’t realise that I started racing quite late in terms of karting, so my motorsport age, I only started racing karts at 13 years old, compared to guys like, in extreme cases, Verstappen, Esteban, I think they both had a kart at four years old.
“When you take that into consideration from when I started to when I’m in F1, it’s about 12 years.
"Compared to the more recent rookies, I’m definitely on the older side, but in terms of my experience level in motorsport, I think it’s right for me.
“I feel the most prepared and ready that I’ve ever been, and ready to make the step up.”