(Montreal) Former Formula 1 driver Nicholas Latifi has decided to take a break from motor racing to return to school.

This is what the 28-year-old Canadian announced on Tuesday via social media. He will begin studies at the London Business School in August, without however closing the door to a return to motor racing.

Latifi played three seasons with the Williams team from 2020 to 2022, collecting nine points in 61 races. His career best result was seventh place at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021. He was replaced by American Logan Sargeant this season.

“This decision may come as a surprise to many people,” Latifi wrote in a statement posted on Twitter and elsewhere. Making the transition to another motorsport category seemed perhaps the most obvious decision. However, I always knew there was going to be life after racing, and I decided now was the right time to prepare for it. ยป

Latifi was one of two Canadian drivers on the grid from 2020 to 2022, along with Quebecer Lance Stroll.