Williams has emphasised that it will not determine the identity of George Russell’s 2020 Formula 1 team-mate until after the current season comes to a close.
Williams has this year fielded Mercedes junior Russell alongside Robert Kubica, who returned to a race seat after an eight-year absence.
Russell is on a multi-year deal with Williams but in September Kubica announced that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season, opening a vacancy.
On Thursday former Williams driver Nico Hulkenberg, facing an uncertain future after losing his Renault seat, ruled himself out of running.
Current test driver and Formula 2 front-runner Nicholas Latifi has carried out running at selected grands prix this year as part of his deal to drive the FW42 in six practice sessions.
“The plan was always to have Nicholas Latifi in the car for these practice sessions that you’re seeing him in for the next couple of races, and in Mexico as well,” said deputy team boss Claire Williams.
“It’s no clear indication [of Williams’ 2020 plans].
“We’ve made it very clear in the media that we won’t be making our driver announcement for that second seat for 2020 until after Abu Dhabi this year.”
Williams has endured a fraught season on-track, taking just one point – courtesy of Kubica – at the rain-hit German Grand Prix in July.
It is poised to finish at the foot of the 10-team Constructors’ Championship for a second successive season.
