YAS ISLAND, Abu Dhabi – ROKiT Williams Racing has confirmed Canadian Nicholas Latifi will join George Russell as a team driver next year in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The Formula Two competitor has spent this year as a reserve driver for the Williams F-1 program and will replace outgoing driver Robert Kubica, who opted not to return to the team after one season.

Latifi, who has taken part in six F-1 practice sessions, has enjoyed a successful career in junior formulas, winning multiple races in Formula Two. He sits second in Formula Two points entering the season finale. Prior to this, he competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and Formula Three.

“I am thrilled to be stepping up as race driver for 2020,” said Latifi. “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.”

“I am delighted to announce that Nicholas will be stepping up to the role of race driver to partner George in 2020,” said Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal. “All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved this year in FIA Formula Two, 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.”