Latifi frustrated by Williams' "inherent weaknesses" as points near misses mount up

Williams driver Nicholas Latifi confessed to leaving Imola feeling doubly frustrated after missing out on a maiden Formula 1 point by one place for the third time in his rookie season.

Latifi was forced to settle for 11th in Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, finishing just 0.737secs behind Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi.

It means the Canadian and Williams team-mate George Russell remain the only drivers this season yet to finish in the top 10.

“It was definitely frustrating when I was feeling I just didn’t have enough pace but overall I’m still quite pleased with the race itself, especially after what was probably my worst race of the year in Portugal," said Latifi, who was 18th at Portimão.

Additionally frustrating for Latifi were the ongoing "inherent weaknesses" of the FW43 that prevented him from attacking Giovinazzi in the closing stages.

He added: “Obviously, it’s disappointing when you end up that close to the points but I think in general it was a strong race. The opening laps were quite difficult to manage and then the race just settled down into it.

“I managed to extend the stint quite a lot which put me in a good position to try and capitalise on something at the end.

“For sure, when you get in the last laps a safety car restart, you know things are going to be kicking off.

"Obviously, a few cars went off in front so it just puts you that much closer but I think, ultimately, we just weren’t quick in the right places on the track.

“The car has its inherent weaknesses and we were weak in the places you needed to be quick to get the DRS, and even with the tyre life advantage I had on the guys in front, I just couldn’t mount a challenge."

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