Nicholas Latifi thinks Jost Capito’s approachability and all-round efficiency has helped to improve Williams’ fortunes this season.
Capito arrived as Williams’ managing director at the start of 2021 and has subsequently also taken over as team principal following the departure of Simon Roberts.
In order to ease some of the burden on his shoulders, the 62-year-old German brought in FX Demaison as technical director, the duo having worked together at Volkswagen where they won three World Rally Championship titles together.
Although there was an element of good fortune involved, Williams enjoyed their best day for years at the race immediately before the summer break, the Hungarian Grand Prix, where they collected their first double points finish since 2018.
Latifi finished seventh and George Russell eighth, giving the Grove-based team 10 points which will make them difficult for Alfa Romeo and Haas to catch in the chase for the all-important P8 in the Constructors’ Championship.
Therefore, Capito has overseen a significant improvement at Williams so far and Latifi is only too happy to praise his boss’ best qualities.
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This time next week…. Back in the hot seat! ? #NL6 pic.twitter.com/yOddT3GUY4
— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) August 20, 2021
“It’s been very encouraging, I’ve really enjoyed working with Jost so far,” said the Canadian, who is in his second season racing for the team.
“When you look at the observations he has made, or the changes he has implemented, or even just speaking with him, you appreciate he knows what he is doing. He’s taking the team in a good direction.
“He’s a great person to work with, very relatable on a human level, friendly, and that helps the atmosphere within Williams. Anyone can go up to him with advice or a query, even if it’s something that might be a little uncomfortable.”
Similarly. Demaison’s appointment is viewed as “a positive” by the 26-year-old, especially with the new regulations in Formula 1 for next year presenting such a big challenge to the teams and an opportunity for Williams and others to push themselves up the grid.
“Having FX as technical director is definitely a positive, as for years it was a vacant position,” said Latifi.
“Inevitably when something is implemented it doesn’t necessarily have an immediate impact on performance or might not make everything 100% efficient straight away, but the future looks very promising.
“Those changes, and the dynamic within the team, means in a way everyone is keen to hit the fast forward button to 2022 because of the new regulations. It’s all positive so far.”
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