Arthur Leclerc to depart Ferrari Driver Academy

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Amidst a series of changes to the Ferrari Driver Academy's development programme for 2024, Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, will be leaving the FDA.

Leclerc joined the academy in 2020 and finished runner-up in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema.

In 2021, he stepped up with the Italian outfit up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, taking three wins across two seasons and finishing 6th overall in the series in 2022.

This year, Leclerc competed in Formula 2 with DAMS, but claimed just a single podium finish on his way to P15 in the championship.

While Leclerc will depart Ferrari’s academy, the Monegasque will retain an affiliation with the House of Maranello, suggesting that the manufacturer’s support and guidance will continue to be extended to the 23-year-old in some form.

"We would like to thank Arthur Leclerc as he moves on from the FDA," Ferrari said. "Arthur will remain part of the Ferrari family and we’re excited to see his next journey."

Read also: Bearman looks to Piastri to help plot his way into F1

Joining Leclerc in exiting the academy is James Wharton, who emerged victorious in the inaugural Ferrari Driver Academy Scouting World Final in 2020. Wharton's accomplishments include claiming the F4 UAE title and finishing fourth in Italian Formula 4 in 2023.

For their part, Aurelia Nobels and Maya Weug will continue their journey with the FDA, with both female chargers slated to compete in the F1 Academy series in 2024.

Arther Leclerc - Dams, Monza.

Furthermore, Marco Matassa, who has managed the FDA since 2018 will be relinquishing his position, paving the way for Jock Clear to take over as the new head.

An accomplished F1 veteran, Clear brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Ferrari Driver Coach since joining Ferrari in 2015.

His involvement in Formula 1 dates back to 1989, when he joined Benetton. His career trajectory has included stints as an engineer for Jacques Villeneuve at Williams and Rubens Barrichello at Brawn GP.

Clear's expertise further extended to his role as the performance engineer for Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher during his tenure at Mercedes, before making the switch to Ferrari.

Senior Ferrari engineer Jock Clear will head the FDA from 2024.

The changes announced to the Ferrari Driver Academy reflect the team's commitment to nurturing young talent and identifying aspiring drivers who possess the potential to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

With a new head at the helm and a focus on continuous improvement, the academy is poised to continue its legacy of producing exceptional racing stars.

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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.