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

©Ferrari

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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.

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"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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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.