Williams F1 driver Nicholas Latifi has revealed that he “almost” missed the 2020 Spanish Grand Prix after he began experiencing some COVID-19 symptoms while in Barcelona.
In a recent interview, the Canadian, who will remain at Williams next season, said that a number of tests indicated he wasn’t infected with coronavirus.
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Latifi ended up competing in the Spanish Grand Prix despite still feeling under the weather as he was “determined” to race.
“I suffered with tonsillitis [in Barcelona last year],” Latifi said.
“Initially, I was worried I had COVID-19 because I had a mild fever. But after many, many negative tests that was ruled out.
“I felt terrible all weekend. My body was aching and I almost didn’t do the race.
“But I was determined to start, so we agreed I would race and I’d return to the pits if my symptoms got any worse.
“Thankfully, as the race progressed I felt a bit better, although my throat was in agony – like a nine out of 10.
“I was pleased I still climbed into the car and completed the weekend,” Latifi added.
He ended up finishing the race in P18 and was lapped twice by race winner Lewis Hamilton.
Latifi had a difficult rookie season in Formula One, with his Williams team-mate George Russell outqualifying him at every grand prix and the Canadian finishing last in the Drivers’ Standings (if you discount reserve drivers Jack Aitken and Pietro Fittipaldi.)
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