F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Emotional Leclerc hails 'special' day he had been waiting for

Beyond his performance which saw him top the time sheet of the final day of post-season testing at Abu Dhabi, Charles Leclerc concluded his day with a very special feeling inside.

The young Ferrari star picked up where his 2019 team mate Sebastian Vettel had left off the day before, running through the Scuderia's testing programme while also setting the pace around Yas Marina.

But above all, it was a milestone moment for the 21-year-old, who felt that he had officially entered a privileged club, those who have had the honour over the past 68 years to belong to the House of Maranello.

"Of course it was emotional," commented Leclerc.

"Because driving a Ferrari is special and because this was a day I had been waiting for, for so long without being sure if it would ever happen.

"I am pleased about that and with the work we did. We got through all our programme which centred on comparison testing between this and next year’s tyres.

"For me, it was important because I also got to know the team better, although some were no strangers to me given my time with the Ferrari Driver Academy.

"Over the next few weeks, I will work to be in the best possible shape and to learn from everyone in the team and my team-mate. I can’t wait for next season to start…"

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.

Recent Posts

First Time in Red: Hamilton sends fans into a frenzy!

After months of clever mock-ups and photoshopped fantasies, Lewis Hamilton has officially donned the scarlet…

9 hours ago

Alpine: No ‘fundamental weakness’ to hold team back in 2026

As Formula 1 gears up for its next major regulation overhaul in 2026, Alpine's executive…

13 hours ago

Haas hits cost cap: Gene Haas no longer needs to bankroll team

In a significant development for Haas, team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that the outfit’s…

14 hours ago

Hamilton reunites with physio Angela Cullen for Ferrari journey

Lewis Hamilton has brought back a familiar face to his entourage ahead of his Ferrari…

16 hours ago

Was this man the worst driver ever to race in F1?

The only driver in F1 history to lose his superlicence for dangerous driving was born…

17 hours ago

Haas overhauls race team crews for 2025 with historic F1 first

Haas has undertaken sweeping internal changes to its race team structure ahead of the 2025…

18 hours ago