A couple of weeks ago, the Williams F1 team announced that it had opened up a formal sale process. They were also not opposed to the idea of selling their majority stake either. Williams was once an amazing F1 team but they have fallen from grace in the last few years. Their on-track failures have only been matched with their off-track financial problems. Who is to save Williams now? Perhaps their new recruit Nicholas Latifi may have a clue.

Michael Latifi touted for Williams takeover

Michael Latifi is an Iranian-Canadian businessman and founder of Safina foods Inc, which is also a sponsor of the Williams F1 team. He also happens to be the father of Williams’ new racing driver, Nicholas Latifi. That exudes some serious Stroll family vibes. Earlier in April, Michael Latifi had saved his son’s team from going bust, by giving them a loan reportedly around the 25 million dollar mark. Now, this time according to the Italian newspaper, La Gazzetta dello Sport, he may be the frontrunner in the Williams takeover. Latifi would like to invest a reported 150 million dollars in the Grove-based outfit.

The new budget cap and restrictions for 2021 have made the F1 business look lucrative for potential buyers. Since all the teams can only operate in a fixed budget environment, it means the playing field could be leveled. There is a slight possibility, that all the teams could go head to head on the track. That would mean the investors could recoup the money that they invested and could reap a profit. However, nothing can be ascertained at the moment.

Another potential investor could be the Russian multimillionaire, Dmitry Mazepin. He was in line to takeover Racing Point until Lawrence Stroll stepped in. Mazepin is still looking to enter the F1 market and sees Williams as the best possible channel to do so. However, Latifi is still firmly believed to be the frontrunner, considering he has already invested in the team before and obviously his son races for them.