Latifi on Abu Dhabi aftermath: 'It's history for me'

Nicholas Latifi unintentionally drew complaints from many Lewis Hamilton fans after the final race of the season, and the Canadian even received death threats. Ahead of the new season, the Williams driver let it be known that he has put it behind him.

The safety car following Latifi's crash in the final phase of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix allowed Max Verstappen to successfully overtake Lewis Hamilton on the final lap and grab his first world title. Although the Canadian could not do anything about it, he received numerous angry messages and even death threats in the weeks after the Grand Prix.

Now, some two months later, all the hate messages have fortunately come to an end. Latifi himself has been able to leave this difficult period behind him, as he tells Sky Sports. "It was a difficult time with everything that happened, but that's part of the sport. It's history for me." With the new season approaching, the attention has switched from last season to this year, and Latifi can prepare in peace.

The Canadian will start his third Formula One season in March. He has been driving for Williams since 2020 and last season he managed to score points for the first time thanks to a seventh place finish in Hungary and a ninth place finish in Belgium. With seven points, he finished in 17th place in the championship. This season he will have a new teammate in Alexander Albon after George Russell switched to Mercedes. When Williams will present the new car is not yet known.