F1 | Williams, Latifi: “The others were faster, but it was a positive weekend”

Nicholas Latifi remains the only Williams on track after the terrible initial accident which also involved Alexander Albon. The Canadian, who qualified for the first time in Q3, practically gained two positions on the second restart, thanks to the retirements of Russell and Zhou, but unfortunately the characteristics of the FW-44s did not allow him to match the pace of the cars in front. Latifi progressively loses positions, until crossing the finish line in twelfth position. All in all a good weekend for him, who had the best qualifying of his career.

“It was an uphill battle right from the start. At first I was surprised because I was able to keep the pace of the cars in front, but in reality there was a train of DRS that kept me there, because the ones behind me were much faster. – explained the Canadian – However, it was nice to race in the center of the group. Unfortunately we didn't have the pace to stay there and manage the car until the checkered flag. Our car lacks downforce compared to the others, we also lack speed in fast corners, and a damage to the floor didn't help us in this regard. However, we had some good fights, but it had to go like this. It was frustrating, but it's still a positive weekend".

Alex Albon instead found himself involved in the accident at the start, with his Williams suffering a spinning top effect, destroying Yuki Tsunoda's front wing. Nice gesture from the Thai man who immediately sent the marshals to check that Zhou was okay, then waiting to be rescued. Alex was also taken to the medical centre, and released later than the Alfa Romeo Chinese driver: both drivers, as well as the others involved in the accident, are fine and will return to racing in Austria without problems.

"I am very happy to hear that everyone involved in the accident is safe. Thanks to all the medical staff at the circuit and Coventry Hospital. It's a shame that our race is over before it even started, but we're already focusing on Austria. On to the next one!".