Leclerc's dream comes true with big move to Ferrari

©WRI

As widely expected, Ferrari junior Charles Leclerc will move to the Scuderia in 2019 where he will replace Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen.

It's an unsurprising turn of events but still a remarkable promotion for the highly impressive 20-year-old from Monaco.

Leclerc's move through karting and the junior ranks has been flawless, with wins and championships garnered left and right.

His talent was rewarded early on with an inclusion into the Ferrari driver academy, and from there on and following his title in the FIA F2 championship last year, the writing was on the wall.

Raikkonen to step down from Ferrari at the end of 2018!

Leclerc took to Twitter to express his joy about his nomination as a Ferrari driver for 2019, the Scuderia's youngest full-time member since Ricardo Rodriguez in 1961!

"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," he wrote.

"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.

"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."

Like his childhood friend Jules Bianchi, whose father initiated Leclerc to karting, the Monegasque is managed by Nicolas Todt, the son of FIA president Jean Todt.

Charles' father, Hervé Leclerc, offered his unwavering support to his son during his formative years. Unfortunately, he died after along battle with illness, aged 54, just days before his son blitzed the F1 field at Baku in 2017.

An emotional Charles Lelerc naturally dedicated his win that day to his beloved father and biggest fan.

Sauber boss Fred Vasseur was quick to congratulate his driver on his promotion

"It has been a great pleasure to support Charles Leclerc in his rookie year in Formula One," said the Frenchman.

"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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.