MUNICH – The Formula 1 season isn’t even halfway yet and there are already rumors of a driver change.
Nicolas Latifi’s seat is said to be in danger. However, the competition does not come from Williams’ own rank. Oscar Piastri, the 2021 Formula 2 champion, is a reserve driver for Alpine and is boasting a premier-class cockpit.
However, there is currently no match for the young Australian against Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso. So Piastri should be respected by Alpine. Team boss Otmar Szafner explained: “The more time he spends in the car, the better.” In the racing team it is expected that the 21-year-old should gain experience with the competition.
Latifi Williams is under pressure
Alpine’s managing director Laurent Rossi is also convinced of Piastri’s abilities: “I would say that there are currently drivers who are not as good as Oscar.” Perhaps the French also meant Latifi. Piastri recently made an indirect suggestion against Canada: “I’ve told myself from the beginning of my career: if I get into Formula 1, it’s because I deserve to be there – and not because That my father bought the cockpit.”
In sporting terms, Latifi hasn’t been able to persuade since his purchase in the Williams cockpit in 2020. 46 In starts, he only scored twice, has a reputation as a crash pilot and is surpassing teammate Alex Albon this season. Apart from Mick Schumacher, Latifi is the only driver still waiting for championship points in 2022.
“I certainly feel that I am under pressure. But it applies to all drivers who do not have a contract for next year,” admitted Latifi in Baku. Williams could lose his place.
Capito: Driver changes in season “always difficult”
But he was convinced: “I know I’ll be driving for the rest of the year, so I don’t want to comment on that.” The Canadian had to deal with similar rumors in May when a respected motorsport journalist announced on “Twitter” that the 26-year-old was to be fired from Williams. He later had to withdraw the tweet and correct himself.
Williams team boss Jost Capito also said in an earlier interview with “Sport 1”: “We have a contract with both drivers and we respect the contracts. At the moment there is no question for us to choose our driver pairing course.” I will do anything. To change the weather.” Furthermore, it is “always difficult” to integrate a driver into the team in the middle of the season, the German continues.
Piastri deserves a seat in Formula 1
But Capito also said that Piastri is a promising talent and deserves a seat in Formula 1. He is also sure that the Australian will get a seat next season.
Under certain circumstances, Australians will soon be able to shape their future more precisely. Alpine is said to have an opt-out clause in case his team can’t find a place for him by the end of June.
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