Formula 2 frontrunner Nicholas Latifi will drive for Williams during opening free practice at the next three Formula 1 grands prix.

Latifi, who currently occupies second place in the F2 standings, will contest FP1 sessions at this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, before making further appearances in the United States and Brazil.

The Canadian has already carried out six FP1 outings for Williams this year as part of his test and development role for the Grove-based squad. He will drive Robert Kubica’s FW42 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, before stepping in for George Russell at the Circuit of the Americas.

“I’m really excited to get back in the car in Mexico as it feels like a long time since my previous outing at Spa,” Latifi said.

“I got the chance to drive in Mexico last year in FP1, so I am familiar with what to expect.

“It’s quite a unique track because of the elevation, so you have a lack of grip, which makes it challenging. As always, my goal remains the same for FP1, to have a clean session and help guide the team going into FP2.”

Williams senior race engineer Dave Robson added: “Nicholas Latifi joins us this weekend for the first of three consecutive FP1 sessions. This weekend he will drive Robert’s car, before taking over George’s car in Austin.

“Nicholas has done an extremely good job each time he has driven the car this season and we look forward to welcoming him back and getting his impression of the latest upgrades.”

Latifi has emerged as a frontrunner for Williams’ spare seat alongside Russell for 2020, after Kubica announced he will leave the team at the end of the current campaign.