Latifi reacts to false Williams departure report

Ewan Gale
Tuesday 24 May 2022 16:02 - Updated: 16:25

Nicholas Latifi has revealed he "laughed" off erroneous reports that he had been dropped by Williams ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

A tweet emerged from Canada suggesting Latifi had been moved aside in favour of Nyck de Vries after the Miami Grand Prix, before the report was later deleted and an apology made to the Williams driver.

Latifi has struggled for confidence with the new generation of F1 car and sits 21st and last in the drivers' championship, behind Aston Martin reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg, whilst team-mate Alex Albon has scored twice on his return to the sport after a year out.

Asked for his reaction to the false reports, Latifi replied: "When I saw that I just kind of laughed a little bit because obviously, it was not the case at all, I'm still here.

"I mean there are always rumours circulating around. I think that's the nature of the sport.

"But yeah, I mean, I was definitely a bit surprised to see it from I'd say a well-known reporter, without any real foundation behind it.

"So yeah, I just kind of laughed a bit at it really."

Reigning Formula E champion De Vries took Albon's place for first practice in Spain as Williams used up one of its obligated young driver practice sessions for the season.

Thanks to the team for their hard work in Barca. We keep pushing together. On to Monaco. pic.twitter.com/cEoeJXlCH8

— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) May 23, 2022