Latifi explained the reason for the collision with Zhou in Singapore

The Singapore race ended for Guanyu Zhou on the seventh lap after colliding with Nicholas Latifi, who closed the section for him. At a press conference in Suzuka, the Williams driver explained that he did not see Zhou in the rear-view mirrors.

Nicholas Latifi: “After the race I watched replays on different cameras – obviously he overtook me and I didn’t give him enough space. What disappointed me the most was that I didn’t get a chance to see the stewards go and explain my actions.They didn’t even call me to their seat, although this usually happens when two riders collide.

I followed the same trajectory as in all previous circles. In that episode I looked in the mirrors – on the replay of the camera from my car you can see that I was looking in both mirrors. The problem was that on the way to the bend, Zhou took a different trajectory and got into the “blind spot” of my mirrors.

Racers are well aware that our cars have large “blind spots”. I repeat, I did not see his trajectory, before the bend I checked my mirrors and shifted to the trajectory along which this bend had passed all the previous circles. Everything ended the way it ended. I didn’t see Zhou, he must have understood that I wouldn’t see him on that stretch, especially on a wet city circuit.

I would have been fined anyway, but at least I had the opportunity to give the stewards my take on what happened. I understand this wouldn’t change anything, so I accept their decision. If I had been listened to, I might have gotten fewer penalty points.

It saddens me that I was not listened to, especially in a situation where we are looking for consistency in decision-making and sanctions.”