Ericsson thinks he can beat Leclerc

After winning the GP3 Series then the championship of Formula 2 in quick succession from his first season in each of the disciplines, the young Monegasque (20 years old) enjoys good odds at the dawn of his debut in the premier category.

Present on the side of Hinwill since 2015, Ericsson was not unworthy against Felipe Nasr and especially Pascal Wehrlein, champion DTM and protected from Mercedes. The arrival alongside him of a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who some already imagine Maranello in the near future, is not likely to worry the peaceful Swede.

“Charles is a very good pilot, coupled with a very nice and humble person, says Ericsson. We had the opportunity to get to know each other last year, and even more so during the winter. He is of course very talented but I have confidence in my abilities and I think I can beat him. I have to rely on my experience and the skills I have developed over the last few years but I am convinced that it will be a close fight.

I hope to have the car to show what I am capable of and how much I have progressed in recent years. I dreamed of it all winter. It's not easy to show off when you're always at the back of the grid so I really hope we'll be in the middle of the pack. »

The former champion of Formula 3 Japanese also believes that teaming up again with a manufacturer-backed driver can only be beneficial for his career.

“For me it’s perfect. Last year, Pascal (Wehrlein) was in the running for the second Mercedes seat and he finished at Sauber. Over the entire season, it seems to me that we were the two closest teammates on average, which is excellent news for me. This year, I am alongside Charles, a highly rated youngster, undoubtedly one of the most highly rated to debut in F1 these last years. It’s perfect to prove my qualities. »