Nicholas Latifi is the Canadian driver of Formula 2 championship, in the current season performing for DAMS team. Latifi has successful career in junior Formulas, winning multiple races in F2 and mounting a strong title challenge in 2019. Prior to this, he competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and Formula 3 European Championship. Nicholas also worked as a test driver for various F1 teams: in 2016 he became a test driver of Renault team for two years, then in 2018 changed the team to Force India. This season Latifi has joined Williams as test and reserve driver. He took part in six FP1 practice sessions and in general showed impressive work, which the team was satisfied with.

Today morning the driver was confirmed as a teammate of George Russell for next season. The contract between Latifi and Williams is for one year.

"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 One debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2020,” – Nicholas commented on the announcement.

Claire Williams, the Deputy Team Principal of Williams, said that the whole team are happy about Nicholas’ work and his results in F2 championship, so already now the Canadian has became a rightful member of the team.

"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.”

Unlike other F1 rookies Nicholas joins the championship in the age of 24, what is quite unusual. It means he definitely won’t beat "young drivers records", but on the other side, Latifi has a lot of experience in motorsport what exactly will help him in adaptation in a new place.