Latifi is in fantastic form
It's clear to see that Kubica isn't performing as good as he could be, but there's no point giving the Pole the axe if a suitable replacement isn't available. However, unfortunately for Robert, such a driver exists, and he's already employed by Williams. 23-year-old Nicholas Latifi of Canada is currently leading the Formula 2 championship (Formula 1's direct feeder series) after the opening three rounds of the 2019 season. With three victories and a further podium in the first six races of this year's feeder series, Latifi is proving himself to be in with a shout of a F1 seat in 2020, but the youngster could find himself in a Grand Prix seat earlier than that.
Latifi is Williams' official test and reserve driver after previously being with the Force India team in 2018, so he has experience in an F1 car and, perhaps more importantly, the FW42. However, with the new superlicence rules in place, Latifi may not be able to compete in Formula 1 until he wins the Formula 2 championship, as he's lacking the points to enter the pinnacle of motorsport.