Charles Leclerc’s younger brother Arthur has been selected for the Ferrari’s Driver Academy (FDA), the Italian Formula 1 team’s junior programme, they announced on Friday.
The 19-year-old Monegasque becomes part of a group of promising youngsters that includes Mick Schumacher, son of Ferrari great and seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael.
Leclerc junior said, “I am really happy to announce that I will be entering the Regional Formula with one of the best teams in the junior categories. I did my very first single-seater tests with Prema two years ago and I always dreamed of racing for them.
“This great opportunity does not come alone, and I am proud to announce that I am joining the Ferrari Driver Academy. I am very grateful for the support and confidence placed in me. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel,” added the teenager.
Charles Leclerc won two grands prix and took seven pole positions for Ferrari last season, the 22-year-old’s first year at Maranello, and out-performed four times world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel.
He signed a contract extension to 2024 last December.
Like his brother, Charles was also an FDA ‘student’ before entering Formula 1 as F2 champion with Ferrari-powered Sauber, now Alfa Romeo, in 2018.
Other Ferrari Academy members include Brazilian Enzo Fittipaldi, the grandson of two times world champion Emerson, and Giuliano Alesi, son of French former Ferrari driver Jean.