Forgotten F1 Driver Finally Breaks Silence Three Years After Axe

A former Formula 1 driver has broken his lengthy silence after leaving the sport to issue a major life update.

Nicholas Latifi drove in F1 for Williams between 2020 and 2022, scoring nine points.

He finished seventh in the 2021 Canadian Grand Prix, and secured two ninth-placed finishes at that season's Belgian Grand Prix and in the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix.

His contract was not renewed by Williams at the end of the season, leaving the Canadian without a seat.

Latifi has been silent on social media in the years since - except for a lengthy statement released in June 2023 in which he stated that he would be starting a Masters' degree in Business & Administration at the London Business School.

Now, over two years on, the 30-year-old has announced that he has successfully graduated.

"I wanted to take some time away to fully focus on my MBA at London Business School and really enjoy the experience free of distractions. I'm happy to share that I graduated a few months ago!" he wrote on Facebook.

Image: Facebook/Nicholas Latifi

"Having not done an undergrad degree, I had no idea what to expect, and will admit I was a little nervous at first. But I quickly deserved how warm and welcoming the LBS community is and built friendships I know will last a lifetime.

"These past two years have been among the most rewarding of my life, filled with learning, growth, new experiences, and memories I will carry with me forever.

"Excited for what is ahead. More to come soon."

In his 2023 statement, Latifi noted that his decision to focus on completing a degree was 'not necessarily a goodbye to the racing world'.

He was heavily linked with a move to the IndyCar series after the announcement that he would be leaving Williams.

He told reporters ahead of that year's US Grand Prix: "I've spoken to a few different teams in different categories ... I'm looking at not just formula cars but also endurance racing.

"It's definitely one of the appeals of the [IndyCar] series, obviously, spec racing, everyone has more of an equal opportunity. It's something that no doubt I've been missing the past few years. I'd definitely be looking forward to that if I was to join a series where it is more equal."