Latifi's father sees chance for son's promotion to F1 in 2020

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Michael Latifi says his son's objective for next season is to secure a full-time seat in Formula 1, and he sees a few potential opportunities appearing on the horizon.

Contrary to many of his rivals, 23-year-old Williams reserve driver Nicholas Latifi was a late bloomer in motorsport, hitting the tracks in karting as a teenager rather than as a young child as is the norm for many young hopefuls.

"Unlike Leclerc, Russell or Albon who started racing go karts at the age of 4 or 5, Nicholas is only in his tenth season of racing," said the Iranian-Canadian businessman who built his fortune in the food business.

"People mention his age but they forget his story. He started karting at 13. He still needs to complete his basic formation and gain experience.

"He's a hard-worker and dedicated. They're really isn't any rush."

Williams summer upgrade package boosts team's outlook

The current leader of the FIA Formula 2 championship enjoyed his first FP1 outing with Williams in Montreal, and Michael Latifi believes his son is in a good environment in which to learn and progress.

"Williams is a good fit for Nicholas," added Latifi. "It is a family team with a good track record in the development of young drivers, including Jacques Villeneuve and Valterri Bottas.

"But Nicholas must focus on F2, it's very important that he continues to get good results and remains in contention for the title.

"At the end of the summer, we'll see where he is. The target is to step up to F1 full-time but there are no guarantees.

"The better you do in F2, it can open doors in F1. Some drivers are in danger, including Robert Kubica and Antonio Giovinazzi."

Last year, Michael Latifi acquired a ten percent stake in the McLaren Group and that investment led to speculation that Nicholas could be heading to Woking at some point.

"There is no discussion about that," he explicitly said.

"We have two good young drivers and are very happy. My involvement at McLaren has never been linked to the prospect of offering a job to my son."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.