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“We Are Happy for You”: George Russell’s Girlfriend Extends Support to F1 Outcast After His Decision to Quit Racing

Published 07/19/2023, 9:45 AM EDT

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via Reuters

In a world where the pursuit of dreams often overshadows our pursuit of happiness, Nicholas Latifi, former Williams driver, has taken a route less traveled. Leaving the high-octane world of F1 behind, Latifi is set to swap his helmet for books, making a surprising shift toward academia. Now, as his life is set to take a turn from racing tracks to the classrooms of London Business School, the support from his racing world peers has been heartening.

Nicholas Latifi, once a promising figure, had chosen to hang up his racing gloves following a tumultuous period in his career. The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP crash, which sparked a storm of criticism and threats, had significantly impacted Latifi’s performance and mental well-being. This distressing episode culminated in the Canadian’s unexpected decision to withdraw from racing, marking the end of a challenging journey in F1. The narrative of the sport has been riddled with tales of athletes bravely pushing through physical and mental barriers, but Latifi’s exit from the racing circuit paints a different picture – that of a brave departure.

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Latifi, through a heartwarming social media post, shed light on his bold decision to switch gears and pursue an MBA at London Business School. “Growing up, I always had a keen interest in the world of business, and I always said it was something I would’ve studied at university had I not gone the racing route,” he explained. Latifi’s announcement of this career pivot, greeted with surprise by many, signaled not an end but a transformative next phase in his life. An outpouring of supportive messages ensued, with a noteworthy one from Carmen Mundt, George Russell‘s girlfriend, who said, “Well done Nicky! We’re happy for you!”

And while we celebrate this exciting new chapter in Latifi’s life, it’s important to remember the racing journey that brought him here.

Nicholas Latifi’s Unfinished F1 Journey Before the Pivot

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Latifi’s F1 journey has been a turbulent one. The Canadian driver, who spent three years with Williams, was expected to leverage his experience from the 2020 season, especially after a career breakthrough in the Hungarian Grand Prix last year where he finished seventh. However, 2022 was not the year for Latifi as his Thai teammate, Alex Albon outscored him.

via Reuters

Latifi’s disappointment was palpable. “I’m leaving the sport feeling like I wanted to achieve and accomplish more, however it doesn’t always work out like that in motorsports,” Latifi confessed. The Canadian had admitted that he left the sport with unfinished business, a chapter he still cherishes despite the highs and lows. Despite the challenges and disappointment faced in F1, he has showcased resilience and tenacity, setting an example for others in the sport that life beyond racing can be full of potential and exciting new ventures.

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As we anticipate the next chapter in Latifi’s story, it is clear that his courageous journey is far from over. The real race, it seems, is just beginning.

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Written by:

Vidhita

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Vidhita is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. Driven by her deep passion for motorsports and a love for the exhilaration of speed. Since 2016, she has been captivated by the world of F1 after watching a race with a relative, and her fascination has only grown stronger over the years.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar