Ferrari is banking on the long term with Leclerc

Scuderia Ferrari likes to focus on stability. Nevertheless, after four seasons played with the tandem Hag-Räikkönen, the stable of Maranello bet on youth by choosing the rookie Charles Leclerc to replace Kimi Räikkönen who will return to Sauber.

Maurizio Arrivabene, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari, made it clear that the choice of the Italian team had been made with a long-term view. The Monegasque has indeed signed a contract covering the next four seasons.

“These choices are linked to the pilot. We don't just look at the short term but also at the long term, commented Maurizio Arrivabene at a press conference in the Singapore GP paddock. The long term is not based on one year, it is for the future, that of the team. It’s about nurturing young talents. It's not a big surprise, he's one of the talented drivers in F1 and thank goodness it will evolve with us. I hope he will continue his career with us, at least until 2022 for sure. »

The director of the Scuderia suggests that he will give Charles Leclerc time to adapt to this new environment, while the reigning champion of the F2 is currently defending Sauber's interests by fighting to be in the points.

“The first mistake would be to put too much pressure on this boy’s shoulders. It could be a very big mistake”, he said.

Maurizio Arrivabene wanted to have a word for Kimi Räikkönen who played 8 seasons with the Prancing Horse and with whom he obtained his title in 2007.

“I think we made the right choice, both for us and Kimi (Räikkönen). The way the press release was worded was intentional. We have broken the Ferrari rule of communicating on a single line. We wanted to convey our respect to Kimi for everything he has done for us and wish him the best for the future”, said the Team Principal of the Scuderia.