Race Weekend Central

Nicholas Latifi Joins ROKiT Williams Racing in F1 for 2020

ROKiT Williams Racing is switching up its driver lineup. The team announced Thursday, Nov. 28 it has tapped Nicholas Latifi to join the team for the 2020 FIA Formula 1 season.

Latifi will replace Robert Kubica behind the wheel. George Russell will be Latifi’s teammate as Williams looks to rebound from a difficult 2019 season where they’ve yet to be a factor up front.

The Canadian Latifi is familiar with the organization, having served as the team’s Reserve Driver. He currently competes in Formula 2, a series where he’s earned four wins and sits second in the championship standings.

“I am thrilled to be stepping up as Race Driver for 2020,” Latifi said in a team release announcing the move. “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.”

Williams Racing has struggled this season. Kubica earned the team’s lone point at the German Grand Prix while Russell has run no better than 11th.

But with Latifi now on board next season, Williams believes the future is bright.

“I am delighted to announce that Nicholas will be stepping up to the role of Race Driver to partner with George in 2020,” 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.”

About the author

Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised as a motorsports fan and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.

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