On 'emotional day' Leclerc predicts 'amazing season' with Ferrari

©Ferrari

On a special day that he qualified as "emotional", Charles Leclerc officially joined the pantheon of Ferrari F1 drivers in Maranello.

The Scuderia's latest recruit, often hailed as the most brilliant talent of his generation, was promoted to the Scuderia following an impressive season with Sauber.

Leclerc's blend of skills and maturity, and the results they've produced, have created some big expectations for the Monegasque. For now however, he's taking it all in his stride as he said at his team's launch on Friday.

"Nervous? No," he replied, when queried on his frame of mind at the event.

"I think it's more of an opportunity for me to be next to Sebastian, who is such a champion and I can definitely learn a lot from him.

"I'm pretty sure it will be an amazing season. The key will be to work altogether but I'm sure we'll make it.

"I'm extremely excited to start this new adventure, obviously it has been a dream since childhood.

"I'm always looking at the red car, hoping to one day be in it. It is a very emotional day for me."

©Ferrari

Leclerc is no stranger to Maranello, having been groomed for the big time in the past few seasons as a member of Ferrari's young driver programme.

"I've been part of the Ferrari Academy for some years now, which has helped me massively to develop as a driver with the final goal of one day having this seat.

"Now it is happening so it is a very proud day for me today and I'm extremely excited to start this new adventure."

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