Jost Capito has told media that Williams have "no plan" to replace Nicholas Latifi before the end of the F1 season, but conceded that they have options for 2023. The difference in performance between Latifi and teammate Alex Albon – who has secured the team's only points of the season – has triggered discussions about the Canadian's future in the sport. There were suggestions that Latifi could be replaced by Alpine reserve driver and 2022 F2 Champion Oscar Piastri partway through this season. Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Williams CEO and Team Principal Capito was able to confirm that the squad were assessing their options for the next campaign. "It's difficult to say because I think we have to see what prospects there are, and we have to do the best [decisions] for the team for next year. But there are various options," Capito told media, including RacingNews365.com .
Szafnauer coy on Piastri-to-Williams links
Capito added that whilst the team would always need contingency plans, their primary plan is to not replace any drivers during the course of this season. "We can never confirm [that every driver can do every race] but it's not the plan," he explained. "If he breaks a leg then we have to have a replacement, but it's not the plan to replace any of the two drivers during the season." When Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer was asked about any conversations on Piastri replacing Latifi, he refused to give anything away on the situation. "As far as a seat at Williams, I think it's best to ask Jost [Capito]," said Szafnauer. "It's great to have one of our young drivers be wanted by other Formula 1 teams, it just shows that he's got good potential, which we're aware of."
Latifi delivers timely PB qualifying result
With Capito suggesting that a mid-season driver switch isn't guaranteed to happen, the Canadian delivered a well-timed best qualifying result of his Formula 1 career. In the wet Silverstone qualifying, Latifi secured his first Q3 appearance in the sport and will start the race from 10th on the grid. He also managed to out-qualify teammate Albon – who was equipped with the heavily-upgraded Williams ahead of Latifi for this weekend – for the first time this season. "It's pretty special. My first Q3, which is obviously a very nice feeling, especially when you do it in a car that shouldn't naturally be there," said Latifi. "When it rains, you hope you're able to make that difference, and today we were able to."
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