Formula 1: Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde doubts Latifi is good enough for F1

Nicholas Latifi

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Former F1 driver doubts Latifi is good enough for F1

Giedo van der Garde doesn't think the Canadian has what it takes

Martin Macdonald

Tuesday 10 March 2020 17:11

Giedo van der Garde doesn’t think Nicholas Latifi is good enough a driver to perform in Formula 1, and has predicted the Canadian to struggle alongside new team-mate George Russell at Williams.

Only two teams have made lineup changes ahead of the 2020 season, with Esteban Ocon replacing Nico Hulkenberg at Renault and Latifi replacing Robert Kubica at Williams.

Latifi brings with him significant financial backing to Williams through his sponsors and has been accused of being a ‘pay driver’.

Van der Garde is one of the critics who has called into question his abilities.

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“I don’t think he [Latifi] is good enough and he will have a really tough time with Russell,” he told Formule 1.

“I can only see Russell going up as he is a great talent, which he proved in Formula 3 and Formula 2. Latifi is in Formula 1 now, but we also know that he is bringing a lot of money that will ensure Williams’ survival.

“I am not blown away by [Nicholas] Latifi as a driver.”

Looking ahead to the 2020 season, Van der Garde predicted a successful one for Max Verstappen, saying the Dutchman could finally win the world championship.

“I think so. He is, of course, going to get big competition from Lewis Hamilton, purely when it comes to the world title,” he responded when asked if his compatriot will compete for the title.

“I think Lewis will always be one step ahead because he has grabbed that title in recent years and knows what to do for it. He knows how to become champion, which is probably his big advantage. Max has never experienced that.

“There will be other emotions but we all know that Max has the capacity to become a world champion. Maybe this year. But it is certain that he will become one.”