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Williams confirms Latifi alongside Russell for 2020

The Williams Formula1 team has confirmed that reserve driver Nicholas Latifi will graduate to a race seat in 2020, replacing Robert Kubica.

Nicholas Latifi, Williams FW42

Nicholas Latifi, Williams FW42

Joe Portlock / Motorsport Images

Latifi, who has completed six FP1 sessions and three days of testing this year, has long been favourite for the drive.

He had to finish in the top five of this year’s FIA F2 championship in order to guarantee himself a superlicence, and he currently lies second with just the Abu Dhabi round to go and the required licence points secure. Latifi will be joined at Williams by George Russell, who signed a multi-year deal with the Grove-based team prior to the start of the 2019 season.

"It still feels a bit surreal. I don't think it will sink in fully until I'm on the grid in Melbourne next year,” said the Canadian.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity from Williams. I've had a very enjoyable first year there – right from my first day at the factory. There is a great atmosphere throughout the team and everyone made me feel comfortable straight away. That's important when you're stepping into a new environment.

“I can't wait to take the next step forward as a full-time race driver. I don't underestimate the challenge ahead, going into F1 as a rookie, but I'm extremely motivated and determined to give it my all.

"I'll give maximum effort and do whatever I can to help push the team forward and to achieve results we can be proud of.”

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Deputy team principal Claire Williams said: “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.”

2020 Formula 1 roster:

Driver Team Engine
 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Mercedes
 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes Mercedes
 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari Ferrari
 Charles Leclerc Ferrari Ferrari
Thailand Alexander Albon Red Bull Honda
 Max Verstappen Red Bull Honda
 Daniel Ricciardo Renault Renault
 Esteban Ocon Renault Renault
 Romain Grosjean Haas Ferrari
 Kevin Magnussen Haas Ferrari
 Carlos Sainz McLaren Renault
 Lando Norris McLaren Renault
 Sergio Perez Racing Point Mercedes
 Lance Stroll Racing Point Mercedes
 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Ferrari
 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Ferrari
 Daniil Kvyat Alpha Tauri Honda
 Pierre Gasly
Alpha Tauri Honda
 George Russell Williams Mercedes
Canada Nichloas Latifi Williams Mercedes

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