After a performance breakthrough at Imola, Portimao brought Nicholas Latifi back to square one with a total lack of confidence in his Williams.

The Canadian secured P14 on the grid for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, his strongest qualifying performance to date in Formula 1.

And although a first-lap spin and contact with Nikita Mazepin soon after left him in the wall, praise was rightfully being sent Latifi’s way for a clear step forward in his career.

Sadly though the struggles of old were back during Friday practice at the Portuguese Grand Prix. Latifi ended FP2 down in P19, nine tenths slower than team-mate George Russell, and the 25-year-old expressed a complete lack of confidence in the FW43B.