Nicholas Latifi is not denying that he wants to get into Formula 1.

The Canadian is Williams' reserve driver, and he has been promised some Friday practice outings in 2019.

Not just that, amid the hype surrounding Mick Schumacher, it is actually 23-year-old Latifi - whose father is a billionaire - who is leading the Formula 2 standings.

And Le Journal de Montreal reported recently that Latifi is first in line should the struggling Robert Kubica be ousted before the end of the season.

"Of course my goal is to get into Formula 1," Latifi said as he tested for Williams in Barcelona this week.

"But my programme this year is focused on Formula 2. That is my priority.

"I have to concentrate on maintaining my current form there and winning the championship. If I do that, I think I will find myself in a good position to go to Formula 1 next year," he added.

However, he said there have been no talks with Williams about 2020 yet.

"Honestly, not yet," said Latifi. "The season has just begun and a lot can happen.

"But if you look at the past, and those who won the Formula 2 and GP2 titles, I think most of them found themselves in Formula 1.

"From my point of view, if I win the championship, then my goal is an immediate transition to Formula 1."