After some reports linking Nicholas Latifi with a 2023 switch to Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar, the outgoing Williams driver has labelled the rumour as “poor journalism” and a story he “had a good laugh” at.
Ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix it was rumoured that Latifi was in-line to replace Jimmie Johnson at the highly successful American side; something he revealed at the Circuit of the Americas is “completely false”,
“This news is completely false,” he told Le Journal de Montreal in Austin.
“I have never talked with Ganassi or other teams in Indycar. It’s poor journalism.”
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In actual fact, the 27-year-old revealed that he has “no announcements to make” regarding his future racing plans, with the Canadian potentially set to consider a 2023 sabbatical similar to Daniel Ricciardo.
Latifi’s time in Formula 1 has been largely underwhelming, with only a few moments to write home about; however, one of those was the recent Japanese Grand Prix.
The Canadian secured his first points finish of the season at the recent race at Suzuka, where he once again showed that he’s one of the strongest on the grid in wet conditions.
He also famously made it to Q3 during the wet qualifying session at Williams’ home race, the British Grand Prix.
With no plans having been made for next year yet, Latifi is simply focusing on ending the year on a “good note”, before saying goodbye to the Grove-based team.
“But nothing is signed and I will have no announcements to make in the short term,” Latifi added.
“The important thing for me is to finish my season on a good note and to focus on the events that remain for me in Formula 1.
“Afterwards, we will see the opportunities that will be offered to me.”
Whilst Latifi’s plans are unknown, Williams are looking likely to potentially announce who will replace the Canadian next season on Saturday, following somewhat of a tease from the side’s boss.
“Follow the news on Saturday,” team boss Jost Capito excitedly said, ahead of the US Grand Prix.
Williams Academy and Formula 2 driver Logan Sargeant is the odds-on favourite for the seat, with the 21-year-old American actually replacing Latifi to make his FP1 debut on Friday.
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Sargeant does need to ensure he finishes in the top six of the F2 Drivers’ Championship, though, to gain enough superlicence points for F1.
He is on-track to do this at the F2 season finale, due to him currently occupying third.
Should he suffer a catastrophe at Abu Dhabi and fail to claim a top six, then Mick Schumacher is the favourite to partner Alex Albon should the German not be retained by Haas.