Nicholas Latifi All But Confirms 2020 Williams F1 Deal

Yet another door could be slamming shut for poor old Nico Hulkenberg, as Williams F1 looks to confirm their 2020 driver lineup. According to reports, Nicholas Latifi’s promotion to a race seat at Williams for 2020 is all but confirmed.

The Canadian took part in his fifth free practice session at the US Grand Prix on Friday. Unfortunately, it was anything but a smooth session for the 24-year-old driver.

“The conditions were tricky out there, it was cool and very bumpy, so I wasn’t taking any risks,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I only had two push laps because of a gearbox issue. It is an amazing track to drive, even with the little laps that I did. All in all, it was very enjoyable.”

Latifi himself has not completed his season in Formula 2 with DAMS, which will culminate in Abu Dhabi. For this season, his primary objective is to consolidate his runner-up position in the championship behind champion Nyck de Vries. However, Nicholas Latifi is already looking forward to 2020 and impending full-time graduation to F1 with Williams.

“It’s too early to announce anything” Latifi told Le Journal de Montreal, obviously trying not to jump the gun.

“After four years of F2, I need to move on to the next stage. I’ll complete my campaign in Abu Dhabi, and after that it will be over.”

However, Le Journal reported that a deal with Williams is already signed and an announcement is expected soon.

On the other hand, Claire Williams has firmly declared that the Grove squad’s 2020 plans were still being discussed. Though she did say that all would be revealed at the end of the season.

“We’ve made it very clear in the media that we won’t be making our driver announcement for that second seat for 2020 until after Abu Dhabi this year,” said Williams.