Latifi reveals F1's "big sacrifice" for non-European drivers

Williams

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Latifi reveals F1's "big sacrifice" for non-European drivers

The F1 career ladder is European based

Ewan Gale

Sunday 15 May 2022 11:00

Williams driver Nicholas Latifi has described the "big sacrifice" needed for non-European drivers to reach F1.

The Canadian driver entered the sport with Williams in 2020 after working his way up the European-focused F1 career ladder of junior categories that culminate in F2.

Whilst Latifi and Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll have reached the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport from Canada and Sergio Perez from Mexico, no American has raced in F1 since Alexander Rossi competed in five races for Manor Marussia in 2015.

On his own life experience on the way to F1, Latifi said: "It's definitely a very big commitment.

"Not only for North Americans, I mean, obviously Daniel [Ricciardo, from Australia] can relate to that quite a lot as well.

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"And yeah, it's definitely a big commitment, a big sacrifice. I mean, you move away from your family and friends, and your home, from a very, very young age.

"Racing in Europe in the junior series, on the weekends most of the other drivers are able to take an hour or a two-hour flight home, see their family and friends in the off-time and that obviously was not a luxury for me and I'm sure for Checo or Lance or Daniel."

Latifi - Sacrifice "comes with the territory"

Whilst the commitment is massive at such a young age with the need to relocate to follow a dream, Latifi insisted those who are aiming for the top of the sport will be willing to put in the hard work.

"It is difficult, and it is something that comes with the territory," added Latifi.

"It's something that I was very happy to do, to pursue my passion.

"So yeah, I guess any driver that's not really European-based, whether they're in the junior series or already racing at a high level, it is a commitment.

"I'm sure if they want to make that step, it's something they'll be happy to do, because obviously this is the pinnacle and yeah, I'm sure most drivers would love to be in that position."