F1: 2020 driver grid is complete as Nicholas Latifi steps up for Williams Racing

Canadian Nicholas Latifi drives for Williams during FP1 at the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix

(Image credit: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)

published 28 November 2019

Latifi ‘thrilled’ to step up at Williams

ROKiT Williams Racing have confirmed that Nicholas Latifi will drive for the team in 2020 and partner George Russell.

F1: 2020 race calendar and pre-season testing dates confirmed F1: Renault confirm Esteban Ocon-Daniel Ricciardo line-up for 2020

With Robert Kubica announcing in September that he was leaving the Grove-based outfit, Williams have decided to promote Latifi from his reserve driver role.

The Canadian has enjoyed a successful career in junior formulas, winning multiple races in FIA Formula 2 and mounting a strong title challenge in 2019 where he sits second ahead of the season finale.

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This year in his role as reserve driver at Williams he has conducted several tests and has taken part in six FP1 sessions across the season.

In a statement the 24-year-old said: “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.”

Canadian Nicholas Latifi will drive for Williams Racing in 2020

Williams have struggled at the back of the grid in 2019 but deputy team principal Claire Williams hopes that Latifi and Russell can help improve the team’s performance next year.

She said: “I am delighted to announce that Nicholas will be stepping up to the role of race driver to partner George in 2020.

“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.”

Pre-season testing takes place in Barcelona from 19-21 February and 26-28 February. The 22-race 2020 F1 season starts on 15 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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