Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

F3 star Leclerc tipped for Haas development driver role

European F3 young gun Charles Leclerc is set to be incorporated into the Ferrari Driver Academy following the departure from the Scuderia's breeding ground of Raffaele Marciello and Lance Stroll.

Monegasque Leclerc, who happens to be managed by Nicolas Todt, who is of course particularly familiar with the house of Maranello given his association with Felipe Massa, will in turn be handed a development role with the new Haas F1 Team.

Leclerc's duties would likely include simulator work, with an opportunity to test with Haas at some point also in the cards.

A childhood friend of Jules BIanchi, Leclerc made his mark in karting where he progressed through the various classes before graduating to Formula Renault 2.0 in 2014.

This year, he stepped up to Formula 3, racing with the Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing, achieving his first victory in his third race at Silverstone, and ending his campaign in the junior formula fourth in the FIA European F3 Championship.

When asked about his protégé's plans, Nicolas Todt told Motorsport.com: “At the moment, the only thing I can confirm is that Charles will be testing in GP3 this week in Abu Dhabi during the three days.”

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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.