The under-fire F1 driver fighting for his future

Personable, articulate  and devoid of the usual  racing driver airs and graces,  Nicholas Latifi is the last Formula 1 driver you’d expect to receive death threats, but such was the toxic legacy of his part in last year’s explosive season finale. And now, as ALEX KALINAUCKAS explains, he faces a battle to keep his place on the F1 grid…

It’s rather a wild scene on the terrace atop the Williams motorhome. That Nicholas Latifi amiably led GP Racing up here solo, without ‘handlers’, after greeting us in the Silverstone paddock three floors below says much about  the man. The unforgivingly blustery wind sending ominous slate-grey clouds in the Canadian’s direction (and threatening to upset the pot plants) says much about the current  state of his Formula 1 career.

Except, of course, it doesn’t – because this is Silverstone and any minute the heavy skies  will give way to bright sunshine, heat ready to rapidly evaporate any lingering precipitation. And repeat. It is here that Latifi, whose 2022 season so far has been underwhelming –  to put it generously – will reach Q3 for the  first time in his career.