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Todt warns Leclerc not to commit one big mistake

Nicolas Todt, who looks after the interests of Charles Leclerc, has cautioned the Ferrari driver against the pitfalls of impatience.

The mercurial 21-year-old steps in to the light this year following his promotion from Sauber to the Scuderia where he replaces Kimi Raikkonen.

Leclerc's new status as a genuine Ferrari driver will provide the Monegasque with a massive opportunity for success.

But the man who has managed his career for many years wants his protégé to remain calm and composed about his prospects, and accept the potential the possibility of defeat.

"Charles has never been on the podium yet because he did not have a car to do it," Todt told Italy's Corriere dello Sport.

"The mistake that Charles must not commit is to be impatient. He is only 21 and he will have to handle the disappointment of defeat, which he feels even if when he finishes second.

"Charles always sets himself very high goals, but it will not be a problem for him."

Leclerc will face the high pressure that's typically associated with life at Ferrari. But many have commended the Scuderia for entrusting one of its cars to a young hopeful, something the House of Maranello has shied away from in the past decade.

Leclerc will be the first driver supported and groomed by Ferrari's Driver Academy to race for the Scuderia.

"Ferrari understood that it was worth investing in young people and today they are beginning to reap the rewards," added Todt.

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Michael Delaney

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