Formula 1: Nicholas Latifi to drive for Williams in 2020
By Asher Fair
Nicholas Latifi is set to drive for Williams alongside George Russell as the replacement for Robert Kubica in the 2020 Formula 1 season.
After months of speculation that ROKiT Williams Racing would confirm Nicholas Latifi as their second driver alongside George Russell for the 2020 Formula 1 season, they made it official on Thanksgiving Day.
Williams initially stated that they would not confirm their 2020 driver lineup until after the 2019 season ended, and the 2019 season is scheduled to end this Sunday, December 1 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
They decided to end the speculation early.
Here is what Latifi had to say about this opportunity, according to Formula 1.
"“I am thrilled to be stepping up as Race Driver for 2020. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team this year, supporting them with the development of the car, and assisting wherever I can trackside and at the factory. I look forward to the journey ahead with the team, and I am excited to make my Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2020.”"
Here is what Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams had to add.
"“All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved this year in FIA Formula 2, along with his commitment to the team, and the work that he has put in behind the scenes. Nicholas has become an established and well-respected member of Williams, and we look forward to him stepping up into this new role, as we look to fight our way back to the midfield.”"
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Latifi is set to replace Robert Kubica, who announced in September that he would not be returning to the Grove-based team next year.
The 24-year-old Canadian spent time driving for Williams on six occasions this season as their reserve and test driver, a role he had with Renault in 2016 and 2017 and with Force India/Racing Point last year. He drove for the team in free practice sessions for the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard and the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps earlier in the year.
He also did so in free practice sessions for the three most recent races on the schedule, the Mexican Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas and the Brazilian Grand Prix at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace.
Latifi has spent almost three seasons competing in Formula 2, all driving for DAMS. With two of the 22 races remaining on the 2019 schedule, he sits in second place in the driver standings with four victories, both career-highs.
Regardless of what happens in the season’s final two races at Yas Marina Circuit, he will finish high enough to have enough superlicense points to his name to compete in Formula 1 in 2020.
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Nicholas Latifi’s confirmation at Williams for the 2020 Formula 1 season means that all 20 seats on next year’s grid have been filled. Latifi is set to be the only rookie competing in the series next year, and he is set to be one of only two drivers who did not compete in 2019.