Nicholas Latifi ‘13 Leaves His Mark

Class of '13 alumnus and Formula One racing driver Nicholas Latifi has been inducted into Crescent School's Alumni Wall of Honour. The in-person ceremony took place on October 19 with admiring students, faculty and staff in attendance. 

During his opening remarks, Headmaster Michael Fellin shared that, in Crescent's 108 years, Nicholas is the sixteenth alumnus to adorn the Wall of Honour. As students see his framed commemoration in the hall, Mr. Fellin wants them to be inspired. “Nicholas Latifi has made a huge mark in the world,” he said. “He is leaving a legacy not just for F1 race fans around the world, but by being an extraordinary alumnus representing Crescent School.” 

The event was particularly significant for the Grade 12 students who were on hand — Nicholas is close to them in age and has gone on to accomplish great things. Mr. Fellin spoke for a moment to the Grade 12 students: “Part of what we want you to consider is not just who you are, not just how you will lead in the world, but what will your legacy be?” 

Andrew Norris ‘03, Chair of the Crescent Alumni Executive, chronicled Latifi’s journey to becoming an F1 race car driver. Latifi, who started at Crescent School in Grade 3, began racing go-karts at age 13. From there, he moved through the Formula 3, Formula Renault 3.5 and FIA Formula 2 championships, ultimately joining the Williams Racing Formula 1 team in 2019. Norris noted that Latifi’s rigorous training schedule meant that most of his high school degree was done on the road, making him a “pioneer of remote learning.”

In his remarks, Latifi noted how good it was to be back at Crescent and in Toronto. “It’s the longest I’ve ever been away from home,” he said. “This is a hugely satisfying day for me.” Lessons he learned at Crescent helped him get to where he is today, and they continue to be relevant. Latifi ended with a heartfelt message to the Grade 12 students: “The nine years I spent here were a real privilege. You will appreciate once you graduate and move on just how fantastic a school this is.”