Latifi inspired by previous F2 graduates "doing a good job right away" in F1

Soon-to-be Williams rookie Nicholas Latifi said he draws inspiration from last year's Formula 2 graduates "doing a good job right away" in Formula 1 after their promotion, with the Canadian teaming up with 2018 F2 champion George Russell in the upcoming season.

As the only rookie in 2020, Latifi has a tough act to follow up. 2019's three Formula 2 graduates, Lando Norris, Alex Albon and Russell all enjoyed a very good season at their respective teams, with Albon earning a promotion to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.

2019's F2 runner-up Latifi has more confidence in his own rookie season because of the trio, but also highlights previous talents who kicked on immediately when first coming into Formula 1.

“I think even going beyond last year, Charles [Leclerc] and Pierre [Gasly], F2 has shown that it’s a great proving ground for drivers,” Latifi was quoted by Crash.net.

“Drivers who have been able to step up to F1 have shown they can do the job right away, so for sure this brings confidence for me. I hope to emulate that."

At 24 years of age, the Canadian certainly won't be a young rookie for today's standards, but winning four races and getting second in last year's F2 championship still gives Latifi the self-confidence needed to succeed in F1.

“Specifically as you said, Lando and Alex, they didn’t win the championship last year, but they’re still performing extremely well, so I’m in a position where I’ve lost out on the championship unfortunately, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be capable of doing the job.

“A lot of the grid now is made up of very young guys, which I have raced against. From that side of things, it’s a bit of familiarity. It won’t be as much of a jump at the deep end.”