Arthur Leclerc steps up to Formula 2 with DAMS in 2023

Ferrari junior Arthur Leclerc continues his climb up motorsport's ladder, with the Monegasque stepping up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2023 with French outfit DAMS.

The 22-year-old brother of Scuderia charger Charles Leclerc receives his promotion after spending two years in F3 with Prema, winning two races in 2021 and a single event this season, concluding his campaign sixth overall in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

"I’m delighted to be making the step up to Formula 2 with DAMS in 2023," said Leclerc.

"They’re a very successful team that has achieved great results in the championship, and I hope I can be a part of that and continue the team’s success."

Leclerc will get his first taste of F2 machinery with DAMS at the series' two-day test organized this week at Yas Marina.

Read also: Williams confirms Sargeant race seat for 2023

The DAMS outfit was acquired by former F1 driver Charles Pic in February of this year, the Frenchman taking over operations from Olivier and Gregory Driot, the sons of DAMS founder Jean-Paul Driot who passed away in 2019.

"Charles Pic has done an amazing job to help the team back to winning ways throughout the season and I’m aiming to keep that going next year," commented Leclerc.

"We’ve a lot of work to do before the start of the new campaign in Bahrain in March, and I’m really looking forward to getting started in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi!"

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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.