Nicholas Latifi hungry for 2019 F1 seat

Canadian Nicholas Latifi will drive in FP1 this weekend. He is currently Force India’s reserve driver but wants to have a full time driving seat in the sport next season. 

The 22-year-old is currently 10th in the F2 championship and insists he doesn’t want a third season in this formula. 

“I don’t want to do another season of F2 in 2019. My goal is F1,” said Latifi in an interview with Le Journal de Montreal. 

“Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg are expected to stay next year. But at Force India, we don’t know the future of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon.”

Maple leaf power! @NicholasLatifi will make his FP1 debut with the team at the Canadian Grand Prix - his home race.

We’re counting on the local fans to give him an incredible welcome! #canadiangp pic.twitter.com/aYIBFVZQUV

— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) 4 June 2018

His father has just bought into the McLaren team, and he and McLaren discussed how this isn’t likely to be a route into F1. 

“You’re not the first to talk about my father. But money is no guarantee of success in motor racing. I have proven that you also need concrete results in the business,” said Latafi. 

“This partnership has nothing to do with Nicholas. We have no pressure to entrust him with driving one of our cars in the future. We only look for the best drivers,” said a McLaren spokesman.