By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Ferrari has announced that Charles Leclerc will step up to replace Kimi Raikkonen for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The 20-year-old Monaco native has put together an impressive rookie campaign for Alfa Romeo Sauber this year, with five results in the points through 14 races, including a career-best sixth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April.
“Scuderia Ferrari announces that in the next Formula One racing season, Charles Leclerc will drive for the Team alongside Sebastian Vettel,” a brief statement from Ferrari read.
Leclerc took to social media to display his emotions for the upcoming opportunity, paying tribute to his late father, Herve, who died prior to locking up the 2017 FIA Formula 2 championship, along with former godfather Jules Bianchi, a fellow Ferrari junior driver that succumbed to injuries sustained in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Dreams do come true… I’ll be driving for @scuderiaferrari for the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship. I will be eternally grateful to @scuderiaferrari for the opportunity given. To @nicolastodt for supporting me since 2011. To my family❤️. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/O4GQVO570b
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) September 11, 2018
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, we will never forget you, and to all the persons that supported me and believed in me. 2/3
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) September 11, 2018
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 @SauberF1Team ❤️
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) September 11, 2018
Frederic Vasseur, team principal at Alfa Romeo Sauber, offered his praise of rookie driver.
“It has been a great pleasure to support Charles Leclerc in his rookie year in Formula One,” Vasseur said. “Since his arrival, he has given the team great motivation. We have constantly improved and we will work hard until the end of this season to achieve the best possible results together.
“We are aware of Charles’ talent and are confident that he will have a bright future. We will keep on following him closely and we wish him the best on his path.”
