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Charles Leclerc has admitted that he is looking to step into a top seat in Formula 1 as soon as possible. The Formula 2 championship leader is part of Ferrari's junior academy, and a strong contender for a Sauber race seat in 2018.
Leclerc made his first appearance of the 2017 F1 season this weekend, driving the Sauber on Friday during the first practice session. While previous GP2/F2 champions have gone on to race in Super Formula before F1 (Stoffel Vandoorne, Pierre Gasly), Leclerc doesn't favour that option.
"I would prefer not to," the Monegasque driver said when questioned about a potential move to the Japanese racing series. "Let's see what options I have at the end of the year, but I hope I do not have to go to Japan."
While the 19-year-old is being heavily linked with a Sauber drive for next year, reports suggest that Ferrari is seriously weighing up its junior driver, viewing the chance of promoting him as a full-time driver in 2019 to replace Kimi Raikkonen.
"Any driver who has a chance to drive for Ferrari would take it," Leclerc said. "As I said, right now I'm focused on Formula 2, then I'll do next season, and after that I'll think about 2019. But of course I will do my best to be in a top team as quickly as possible."
However for now, Leclerc is just thinking about his Formula 2 title bid: "Nicolas (Todt, Manager) and Ferrari talk a lot, but they think I should focus on Formula 2 - and I'm quite happy with that," he said. "I'm sure Ferrari and Nicolas will do everything to find the best option for me in 2018."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (5)
Login to replySavio
Posts: 145
Stupid kid, he should be more humble..
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
No, he shouldn't. It ain't bragging if you back it up, and right now he certainly does in F2.
He's confident, but not over confident - he'll do well with that attitude.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Ferrari might change the way that they select their drivers but wouldn't count on it. 2019 will be the year for lots of changes. Leclerc will do well to get an drive in a sauber. Than maybe he has a change.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Meh its possible if he performs.. Id like to see someone from the current midfield get the seat
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Who do you have in mind? For the most part I find the current midfield to be as bland as can be. The only one that consistently looks impressive is Ocon in my opinion, but if it's between him and Leclerc they might as well give the nod to Leclerc.