F1 driver who quit racing for business school announces new job to rival Lewis Hamilton

Dec 7, 2025 - 13:15

Nicholas Latifi has successfully capitalised on the renewed interest in his name at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by launching his new venture.

The former Williams driver was behind the wheel of a car on camera for the first time since leaving F1 at the end of the 2022 season.

Latifi losing the back end of his Williams in Abu Dhabi set up the most controversial title decider in F1 history

The controversial finale between Hamilton and Verstappen was front-page news worldwide

Latifi then put his motorsport career on pause to study for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at London Business School.

The 30-year-old has largely kept a low profile since, but broke his two-year silence in October to confirm he had graduated.

Nicholas Latifi ends two-year silence

“It’s been a while since I last posted,” Latifi wrote on a social media post.

“I wanted to take some time away to fully focus on my MBA at London Business School and really enjoy the experience free of distractions. I’m happy to share that I graduated a few months ago!

“Having not done an undergrad degree, I had no idea what to expect, and will admit I was a little nervous at first. But, I quickly discovered how warm and welcoming the LBS community is and built friendships I know will last a lifetime.

“These past two years have been among the most rewarding of my life, filled with learning, growth, new experiences, and memories I will carry with me forever. Excited for what is ahead. More to come soon.”

This month, Latifi has aptly shared an announcement of his next career step ahead of the 2025 F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Canadian will always be associated with the Yas Marina Circuit, following his role in determining the outcome of the 2021 title.

With five laps remaining of the season-defining showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen Latifi infamously lost his car at turn 14 to bring out a safety car, which ultimately proved decisive in the Dutchman claiming his first championship.

F1 driver to start-up founder

It has taken another four years for the F1 driver’s championship to be decided in the Abu Dhabi season finale.

Latifi had to deal with some vile abuse, but has enjoyed a more positive past few years

Latifi released a video of himself picking up his first Leve bottles ahead of his UK sales launch

Ferrari’s Hamilton is not involved on this occasion, but could soon face another fight from Latifi in UK spirit sales.

The 40-year-old’s non-alcoholic tequila, Almave, will soon be joined on shelves by the latter’s Leve Agave Spirit, which he co-founded.

Leve, which is made in Mexico, has been billed as a lighter, smoother alternative to traditional tequila.

Latifi recently shared a video of himself driving to a warehouse which stored the first bottles of his new product to take back to London.

He announced last month: “Over a year ago, along with two friends from London Business School, we set out to create a version of tequila that better fits how we drink today – socially, mindfully, and without overdoing it.”

Hamilton regularly promotes his nonalcoholic tequila brand

The seven-time F1 world champion carried his bottle of Almave into the Mexico City Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s non-alcoholic Tequila

Hamilton, meanwhile, launched a non-alcoholic blue agave spirit two years ago around the start of his personal sober journey.

“I don’t know if I’m going to drink again,” he told Vogue in 2023.

“Since I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve just been feeling so much better, so much more clarity.”

“I started pulling away from it [alcohol],” added Hamilton to Forbes in August. “I stopped drinking for a year and felt great.

“But I remember being in these environments with friends, at restaurants with friends and everyone’s drinking, and I’m sitting there with a ginger ale.”

He continued: “If you got work the next morning, I’ve got training at 6am, but still want to be in and amongst my group of friends whilst drinking and still feel a part of the experience with them.”