The Japanese Grand Prix witnessed the crowning of the F1 Driver’s champion for the 13th time as Max Verstappen stole the show. However, it was Nicholas Latifi who got the shocking result of finishing P9 in the race. In the treacherous conditions of the Suzuka Circuit, the Williams driver impressed many and earned points finish.
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Latifi announced that he will leave Williams when his contract ends at the end of the season. The driver endured a torrid time in F1, and after a comical error in FP, things were not looking good for him. However, he fought his way back bravely. Latifi pitted for Intermediate tires with Sebastian Vettel early on and raced his heart out to finish P9.
Nicholas Latifi only scored 7 points in F1 prior to the Japanese Grand Prix. Furthermore, he was also the subject of Twitter’s trolling after he took a wrong turn in FP on Friday. However, he shut down his critics the right way.
This was also Latifi’s first points finish since the Belgian GP last year, where he finished P9 as well. As a result, F1 Twitter rightfully applauded the Canadian driver for his heroics and winnings points in some of the most difficult conditions.
After trolling him just a couple of fortnights ago, F1 Twitter applauded the Williams driver. Thereafter, Latifi was also one of the contenders for the Driver of the day award.
F1 Twitter bows down to the brilliance of Nicholas Latifi
To stand up to online trolls, Nicholas Latifi brought his A-game to the Japanese GP. Subsequently, F1 fans expressed their shock and delight, as they praised the Williams driver for an outstanding race in Japan. Here’s what the fans thought about the Canadian performance.
Some fans were relieved that Latifi was no longer 21st in the 20-man F1 standings. Furthermore, they tweeted about his finish in a sarcastic manner.
So the biggest takeaway from all of this chaos?
Latifi scored TWO POINTS!!
— Matt Gallagher (@MattyWTF1) October 9, 2022
This means Nicholas Latifi has gone from P20 to P9 in a Williams to take his first points of 2022!
— F24 (@Formula24hrs) October 9, 2022
LATIFI IN THE POINTS. WE REPEAT, LATIFI IN THE POINTS #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/BzUm5Fa6eu
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) October 9, 2022
it is with great pleasure to inform you that Latifi is no longer the 21st driver in a 20 driver championship pic.twitter.com/C12BeI4N1L
— F1 MEMES (@f1trolls_) October 9, 2022
Additionally, among many others, popular F1 journalist Will Buxton also complimented the Williams man on a splendid drive.
Lando seeing that the driver in front of him is Latifi pic.twitter.com/7BMq3Fjcxb
— Mari (@very_berry99) October 9, 2022
Properly good job from Latifi today. Really impressive drive. https://t.co/dyagLAZNk2
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) October 9, 2022
Real win of the day was Latifi getting points
— Matthew Train (@MatthewTrain3) October 9, 2022
Great to see Latifi in the points as well today. He drove well in tough conditions.
— RaceCanada.ca (@RaceCanada_ca) October 9, 2022
Meanwhile, many fans celebrated the return of ‘GOATifi’ in the points finishes.
Just Goatifi things… #WTF1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/5OyxXGY3Kd
— Ambuj Sethi (@ambujsethi) October 9, 2022
Goatifi in the points 👑 pic.twitter.com/xoXpEOQhih
— Hunayn¹*¹¹🇿🇦 (@iamsrkjr_01) October 9, 2022
HES DONE ITTTTTT NICKY P9 #MVP #goatifi #F1 pic.twitter.com/xHPRrS3RqP
— Luke Rees (@lukerees622) October 9, 2022
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GOATIFI #goatifi pic.twitter.com/un1ov0RFeN
— LittleMan :3 (@Little_ManGS) October 9, 2022
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After an eventful Japanese GP, Nicholas Latifi will hope his last few races follow a similar fate. While there might not be any seats for him for the next year, he will be looking to impress other bosses on the grid for an opportunity in the future. Do you think Latifi will drive in F1 again?