Nicholas Latifi can blow out 25 candles today

Today we can celebrate not only because it's finally another race week, but also because it's one of the Formula 1 drivers' birthdays. Nicholas Latifi turned 25 years old today.

The transition to F1

Nicholas Latifi would probably have preferred a Formula 1 Grand Prix when he was 24, but he still needs to be patient for a few more days. The Canadian is the only rookie in the king's class of motorsport this season, and there are many new drivers in 2019.

For Formula 1 Latifi, like many before him, drove in Formula 2. In his last season he managed to secure second place behind Nyck de Vries, who is now driving for Mercedes in Formula E. According to his critics it was just time for Latifi to finish high in the standings, as he has had a full-time spot in Formula 2 since 2016 - then still called GP2.

Fighting for Williams

This year Latifi drives for Williams' team, taking Robert Kubica's place. In his first year he probably won't get it easy. As a teammate, the Canadian will have to compete against George Russell, who won Formula 2 in 2018 and has shown his muscles in his debut season.

The Williams team has also slipped a lot in recent seasons and finished stiff at the bottom in 2018 and 2019. So today Latifi can blow out the candles and enjoy cake, but after that there is a lot of work to do for the rookie.