Marko Hanželic
Newcomer to Formula 1, Nicholas latifi, has so far driven four races at the highest level of motorsport and v Silverston for the first time left behind two race cars of direct competition (Haas and Alfa Romeo). 25 years old Canadian he was therefore satisfied after the race.
When asked about his long-term ambitions in the queen of motorsport, the Canadian confidently says he could one day become a world champion. "I believed in that even before I drove my first race," he says Latifs.
“I think you have to believe in it. In every sport, you have to trust in yourself and your abilities. I think if you doubt yourself, if you don’t believe you can do something, then it will affect your performance. Therefore, your result will not be optimal. "
That’s why self-esteem is paramount, says the newcomer. “It’s probably even more important in scenarios or moments when things for whatever reason don’t go the way you’d like, whether it’s a fight with a race car or your own personal accomplishments. If you think you can't get out of the abyss, then you won't, " makes a new team racer Williams.
Of course he admits "That it is obviously still very early" think about winning the title. “I know I have a lot to learn. I still have a lot to improve. However, I think I am more than capable of these improvements. I'm experimenting and I'm learning at the same time, " he says confidently.
Compared to Williams ’teammate George Russll it lags far behind for now. Latifi confirmed that both drivers are in Silverston drive the same car, ie the same bodywork, "Which was not the practice in the first three races".
Comparison with George Russell: I’m just as fast in a race
Canadian analyzes: “I think the difference in qualifications was even bigger. It was close to a second, but that was only because I didn’t make my lap on another set of tires. If I could drive the lap the way I think I could, I could get three tenths of a second closer to George - and that would be very close to Q2. "
Also in previous weekends there were differences between him and Russell in qualifications often "Much bigger than they actually are", he says Latifs. “Regarding the race, I think our pace at Silverstone was pretty similar. I think this race was actually a race where I was closest to George in a direct racing rhythm, which is good because he’s obviously the only reference I have at the moment. So it was nice to follow the pace at that level and I felt like I took a big step forward to understanding things in Formula 1. ”
I need to improve my qualifying times
Now it’s a matter of doing exactly that at every race and, ideally, adding something small next to it. Latifs seeks in particular to improve in qualifications: "Because I think I'm a lot more competitive than I am now."
"It's not so much about being completely lost and wondering where to get that extra second for God's sake," emphasizes the driver Williams. “On the contrary, the answers are very logical and simple. All that matters is how we do it all together. "
