Latifi gains confidence and progresses with Willians

Nicholas Latifi delivered a strong performance during the Imola Grand Prix last weekend. He made it to Q2 for the second time in his career, showing a sustained pace that even impressed his teammate, George Russell, who was somewhat perturbed by the Canadian’s performances.

« Nicholas [editor’s note: Latifi] got the better of me on every lap of the weekend, I didn’t know why, admitted Russell after qualifying.

We can talk about successful qualifications for Williams in this Grand Prix, with Russell qualifying in 12th position, two places ahead of his teammate Nicholas Latifi. However, Sunday was not without its challenges for the British team, as both drivers crashed their cars during the race. Latifi after a contact on the first lap of the race with Mazepin, rejoining the track after going off. George Russell, after a contact with Valtteri Bottas while they were fighting for the ninth position.

However, not everything is to be thrown away after this weekend in Imola, quite the contrary. Indeed, the team can console itself by observing the improvements of Latifi and of their single-seater. Dave Robson, head of vehicle development at Williams, claims that the Canadian’s improvements are the result of a combination of car improvements and the fact that there was little wind.

« I think we had some new parts here – the floor was the most obvious – I think it has improved the car somewhat,” Robson explains.

« We had the tires working well here and I think the calmer wind conditions helped the car perform better, which means the tires worked better. Everything was just a little calmer and easier here, and that’s really where the lap time comes from.

Indeed, the Williams FW43B is notoriously sensitive to the wind. Therefore, the team hopes that this will make it competitive on some weekends, at the expense of others, windier ones. This rather radical design choice seems to have paid off at Imola. When asked, Dave Robson stated that the lack of wind certainly helped Latifi find more confidence in his car.

« I think it was fast here in October when we came, so I think for some reason, he is comfortable here in Imola,
» he added.

« But for sure, having this confidence in the car definitely helps. Nicky needs this kind of momentum throughout the weekend, and he got it here. And even when he had a small issue during the FP3, we put him back on track and he immediately got back on track. It didn’t bother him at all, whether in terms of his confidence in the car or what was going on in his head.

« He showed great mental strength and an excellent approach throughout the weekend »

After the race, Latifi had declared that he had not noticed that he had collided with Nikita Mazepin, so difficult were the racing conditions. This mistake forced him to retire, despite an encouraging weekend for his part.

« I think a small error in judgment on his part caused him to spin out, and then he thought he was rejoining a clear track when in fact the whole pack had already passed, added Robson.

« A little contact with Haas, and he ended up hitting the wall unfortunately. It’s really a shame. I think it’s one of those things in these conditions.
»

« An encouraging weekend for his part »

However, Williams showed great strength during this weekend, qualifying both of its cars for Q2. Although they missed a great opportunity to score points, the team can build confidence and come back determined for the Portuguese Grand Prix from April 30th to May 2nd.