By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
The Haas F1 Team has confirmed that 18-year-old Charles Leclerc will make his Formula 1 debut in opening practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The current ART Grand Prix driver in GP3 is set for other Friday sessions in the VF-16 at Hungary, Germany, Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, replacing Esteban Gutierrez.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to get seat time in a Formula 1 car and I can’t thank Haas F1 Team and Esteban enough,” Leclerc said.
“I’m honored by the faith Haas F1 Team and Ferrari have in me. This is an important step toward my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver.”
Equally as happy for the announcement was Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner.
“Charles Leclerc is highly regarded by Ferrari and his record speaks for itself,” Steiner said.
“We’re happy to provide this opportunity and help develop the next generation of Formula One drivers. Credit also goes to Esteban for sharing his racecar and serving as a mentor to Charles.”
Leclerc is currently a part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and has held several accolades climbing though the ranks, including 11 karting championship between 2005 and 2013, and also won the GP3 Series-opener at Circuit de Barcelona in Spain.
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