Williams has confirmed that Nicholas Latifi will step up to a full-time race seat in Formula 1 next year, alongside George Russell, completing the team's line-up and that of the championship's 2020 grid.
Latifi, 24, has spent the last four years in GP2/Formula 2 and this season holds second, behind already confirmed champion Nyck de Vries.
Following prior test spells with Renault and Force India, Latifi joined Williams as its 2019 test and reserve driver, participating in six practice sessions aboard the FW42.
The Canadian is set to be the only rookie on next year’s grid, with the sole other change coming at Renault, where Esteban Ocon will replace Nico Hulkenberg.
Latifi’s promotion had been widely expected in the wake of Robert Kubica’s announcement in September that he would not be part of the team in 2020, with Hulkenberg subsequently ruling himself out of contention.
Mercedes-backed Russell joined Williams for 2019 on a multi-year deal.
"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 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2020."
Latifi's path to Formula 1
Latifi has competed in the FIA’s single-seater ladder since 2013, methodically working his way up the ranks to reach motorsport’s leading category.
He emerged as a top 10 challenger through two years in Formula 3, also participating in Formula Renault 3.5, the Toyota Racing Series and – a left-field choice – the Porsche Carrera Cup.
Having dabbled in GP2 in 2015 Latifi committed full-time with DAMS in 2016 and claimed second spot first time out in Barcelona.
Results, though, waned thereafter, but in 2017 Latifi re-emerged as a front-runner, battling for second in the standings behind runaway champion Charles Leclerc.
Latifi claimed a maiden victory in Britain and scored eight podiums elsewhere to finish fifth in the standings, remaining with DAMS as the series switched to a new package for 2018.
But an illness over the winter denied Latifi a pre-season programme and he was left to salvage ninth in the championship, showing improved form after the summer break.
Latifi entered 2019 knowing that it was to be his final season in Formula 2 and he claimed the championship lead with victories across the opening rounds in Bahrain, Azerbaijan and Spain.
But expected rival Nyck de Vries hit his stride and, combined with a few sub-par rounds for Latifi, the Dutchman surged clear, wrapping up the title with an event to spare.
Alongside his Formula 2 commitments, Latifi has spent the last four years affiliated with Formula 1 teams, which has led to a swathe of outings in testing and practice.
Latifi spent 2016/17 at Renault, getting a run-out mid-season, while for 2018 the Canadian linked up with Force India, making his grand prix weekend debut on home soil.
Four further FP1 runs followed and for 2019 Latifi switched to Williams, acting as a reserve, in a deal that included several test appearances and six FP1 outings at grands prix.
