Williams boss defends Latifi: 'Pressure is greater for him than for De Vries'

Nicholas Latifi's future as a Formula 1 driver came under further pressure due to Nick de Vries' impressive Grand Prix debut. However, Williams team boss Jost Capito does not want to dismiss his driver just yet.

Latifi was outclassed by his one-time teammate in his first F1 race at Monza. While De Vries was widely praised for his strong first performance, criticism on Latifi increased. It seems increasingly likely that the Canadian's days in F1 are numbered, as De Vries is not the only talent lining up for a seat.

Williams team boss defends Latifi

Still, Capito is determined to defend his driver. He argues that the pressure was many times greater for Latifi than for the debutant De Vries. "You always have to be better than your teammates," the Williams team boss told Sky Sports. "I think the pressure for Nicky is quite more than for Nyck because he is in the car for all year."

After the Monza race, there were many voices calling for De Vries to be given a permanent F1 seat for 2023, whether at Williams or another team. As far as Capito is concerned, however, there is no reason to make hasty decisions. "We've still got time to decide and see how he [Latifi] performs, but there are multiple options and we’re not in a rush," he adds.

Apart from De Vries, Logan Sargeant is also said to be high on the candidate list at Williams. This would see the team take a driver from its own pool. Sargeant is part of the Williams Driver Academy and is currently doing well in Formula 2. In October, he will make his official F1 debut during the first free practice for the US Grand Prix.