Next year’s Formula 1 rookie Nicholas Latifi believes Williams can bounce back after horror 2018 and 2019 seasons in the top flight which has relegated them to perennial backmarkers in a sport they once dominated.
The 24-year-old Canadian, with the powerful backing of his billionaire father and McLaren co-owner Michael Latifi, has been signed by Williams to replace Robert Kubica in 2020.
In Abu Dhabi, Latifi denied the seat is a poisoned chalice, “Two bad years do not define the legacy of a great team like Williams. We know the problems, and I’m sure we’ll get them solved. I will do my best to play my part.”
However, it could be a tough assignment for the 2019 Formula 2 runner-up, as Kubica this year was easily outperformed by his rookie teammate George Russell.
Latifi will now be paired with the highly-rated, Mercedes-backed talent, “I know George has done a good job, and of course I first need to learn from him.
“I think we will work together but it’s extremely difficult to say where we will be. At any rate, I will do the maximum I possibly can, no matter where the car is,” he added.
Latifi’s signing means the 2020 grid is set. Only Williams and Renault have made driver changes.