Nicholas Latifi has backed Williams to emerge from its competitive slump in 2020, stressing that the team is not defined by its difficult period.
Latifi joined Williams as its test and reserve driver in 2019 and will step up to a race seat for 2020, in place of Robert Kubica.
Williams has scored just eight points across the past two years, in which it finished at the foot of the 10-team Constructors’ Championship, and failed to make it out of Q1 in 2019.
“I think going into Formula 1 as a rookie is always going to be difficult and have its own challenges,” said Latifi.
“I think I’m joining a great team for a first year, they have their history of developing young drivers, one of the most successful teams in Formula 1.
“So I think two bad years doesn’t define a team’s legacy, doesn’t define what they’re capable of.
“I have complete faith in everyone from what I’ve seen so far working in the team that people will get on top of the problems and hopefully be back to a more representative order.
“But I’m just looking forward to doing whatever I can next year to help that.”
Latifi nonetheless cautioned against raising expectations, explaining that “for sure there are going to be challenges. I’m definitely not underestimating what the challenge of Formula 1 will be.
“I know I’m going to have a lot to learn, but I have had the opportunity this year to have quite a few on-track opportunities with them. I know what to expect from the car.
“I feel good in the team, the team environment right from my first day, I felt at home, which I think is important when you are jumping into a new team, especially a Formula 1 team. So yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
