Williams refuse to admit Nicholas Latifi’s ongoing Friday practice appearances are preparation for a 2020 Formula 1 seat.
The Canadian, who is the reserve driver at the British team, participated in the first session in Mexico and Austin, with a third outing coming up next weekend at Interlagos.
This comes as he is widely considered the favourite to replace Robert Kubica next season, with the Pole opting not to continue and Latifi offering much-need financial backing.
However: “The plan was always to have Latifi in the car for these practice sessions that you’re seeing him in,” deputy Williams boss Claire Williams told Crash.net.
“It’s no clear indication [that he’ll drive for us next year]. We’ve made it very clear that we won’t be making our driver announcement for that second seat for 2020 until after Abu Dhabi this year.”
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One reason why Latifi is seen as a shoo-in for the seat is the lack of alternatives being put forward, with even Nico Hulkenberg ruling himself out.
The F2 driver also appeared to suggest cogs are turning claiming: “It’s too early to announce anything.
“Nothing has been decided about next season, but I want to become an F1 driver for Williams. We’ll see.”