Leclerc to replace Raikkonen at Ferrari in 2019
Charles Leclerc has been announced as Ferrari’s second driver for the 2019 season, replacing Sauber bound Kimi Raikkonen.
The Monegasque has endured a sensational debut season in Formula 1 scoring 13 points in 14 races, with his results earning him a promotion alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel next year.
Leclerc had been heavily-linked with a drive at Maranello from mid-season, with Ferrari’s bosses hugely impressed at his maturity and ability to quickly to adapt to life in F1.
“Scuderia Ferrari announces that in the next Formula One racing season, Charles Leclerc will drive for the Team alongside Sebastian Vettel,” read a short statement on Ferrari’s website.
Leclerc, who turns 21 later this year, will be the second-youngest driver to ever race for Ferrari. He graduated from Ferrari’s driver academy, winning the GP3 and Formula 2 championships in successive years before joining Sauber this season.
“Dreams do come true… I’ll be driving for Scuderia Ferrari for the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship,” Leclerc posted on his Twitter page. “I will be eternally grateful to Scuderia Ferrari for the opportunity given.
“To Nicolas Todt for supporting me since 2011. To my family. To a person that is not part of this world anymore but to whom I owe everything of what is happening to me, Papa. To Jules, thank you for all the things you learnt me [sic], we will never forget you, and to all the persons that supported me and believed in me.
“I will work harder than ever to not disappoint you. But first, there is a season to finish with an amazing team that gave me the opportunity to fight and show my potential. Let’s go Sauber F1 Team.”