By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Sahara Force India revealed that Nicholas Latifi has signed on as a reserve and test driver ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 season.
The 22-year-old Canadian comes off an admirable Formula 2 (formerly GP2 Series) campaign last season, winning at Silverstone and bagging nine podium finishes en route to fifth in the championship standings with DAMS.
Latifi was a test driver for Renault last season, notably completing over 200km when called upon for his first outing in a post-race session in Hungary.
According to the team release, Latifi will “participate in a number” of various Friday practice sessions at Grand Prix weekends as he aims for the next step in his racing career, along with simulator work and test appearances.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” said Latifi. “Sahara Force India is a team that has shown constant improvement for the last few years and I’m proud to become a part of one of the success stories of Formula One. I am eager to show the team what I can do and help them as they continue to close the gap to the front of the grid.”
Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India, expressed his added support in adding Latifi to their program.
“Nicholas joins us off the back of a strong season in F2 and strengthens our driver development program,” said Mallya.
“He will support our simulator program and work with the team during a number of Friday practice sessions next year. We have a long track record of bringing on young talented drivers and Nicholas will learn a huge amount as he gets embedded in the team, and looks forward to a career in Formula 1.”
