Nicholas Latifi - F1's Newest Driver

Nicholas Latifi has officially been signed as Williams' Race Driver for the 2020 season, he will partner their current driver George Russell, who have previously raced against one another in Formula 2. This update means the 2020 Grid is confirmed and completed!

George Russell and Nicholas Latifi will make up the second youngest driver pairing with a combined age of just 45 (matching that of Red Bull), whilst McLaren take the lead with 44.

The announcement may not be too shocking for many, as Latifi has been Williams' test driver this current season and has taken part in many practise sessions throughout the year, the most recent being Brazil. But 2019 was not Latifi's first time in a Formula 1 cockpit, in-fact, Latifi has been around the Grid since 2016 when he was signed as Renault's test driver, 2018 moved him along the F1 Grid to Racing Point, before he began with Williams this year.

The twenty-four year old had this to say, "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.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principle added, "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.”

Nicholas Latifi will be making his Formula 1 race debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2020, with a grid that will be dominated by under 25s! One things for sure, the next generation of drivers is officially underway!