Latifi joins Force India as reserve and test driver

Force India have signed Nicholas Latifi as their reserve and test driver for the 2018 season. The 22-year-old Canadian, a race winner and nine-time F2 podium finisher in 2017, will take part in young driver test sessions and participate in a number of Friday practice sessions for the team.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” said Latifi, who was test driver for Renault’s F1 team in 2016 and 2017.

“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, Force India’s team principal, added: “Nicholas joins us off the back of a strong season in F2 and strengthens our driver development programme. He will support our simulator programme 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 One.”

Latifi has participated in one F1 test to date, completing over 200km with Renault in Hungary’s post-race session last year.