Ericsson looking to Leclerc to boost his reputation

©Sauber

Marcus Ericsson is counting on Sauber team mate Charles Leclerc to boost his reputation in Formula 1 this year.

The Swede embarks on his fifth season in F1, having launched his career in 2014 with Caterham. Unfortunately, Ericsson doesn't have much to show for his stint at the pinnacle of motorsport, having scored just 9 points since his F1 debut.

The 27-year-old has succeeded in remaining a Grand Prix driver over the years however, a feat in itself given his meager track record and the fact that he has generally never clearly outperformed a team mate.

Ericsson sees Sauber as team with 'biggest change' in 2018

Ericsson feels his merits could get wider recognition this year however if he compares favourably with the highly-rated young man sitting on the other side of the garage.

"Last year Pascal Wehrlein almost got a seat at Mercedes but actually went to Sauber, and I think over the course of the season we were on average quite comparable," Ericsson said in Barcelona.

"Unfortunately, the car didn't allow us to fight for higher positions, but Pascal was a good comparison for me."

Getting the upper hand over 2017 F2 champion and Ferrari junior Leclerc won't be a small issue for Ericsson, but that's his objective.

"Charles will be another good comparison for me," he added.

"He is considered one of the most promising newcomers to Formula 1 and for me it's ideal. I can show what I can do as a driver."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.