Charles Leclerc has insisted that he is not feeling nervous about the prospect of driving with Ferrari for the first time in just his second season in Formula 1, saying he is looking forward to the opportunity to partner four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel.
The Monegasque driver is a member of Ferrari's driver academy and after working his way through the lower levels of motorsport, he made his F1 debut last year with Sauber.
His performances were so impressive that the Scuderia opted to promote him to replace Kimi Raikkonen, who in turn would return to Sauber for the 2019 campaign.
Speaking at the launch of Ferrari's 2019 challenger car, Leclerc said was relishing the thought of teaming up with Vettel.
“I’m not nervous. I think it’s more an opportunity for me to be next to Sebastian, who is such a champion," Leclerc told the media in Maranello.
“I can definitely learn a lot from him. I just see it as an opportunity and I’m pretty sure it will be an amazing season. I think the key will be to work together. I’m sure we will make it.”
Leclerc went on to highlight just how proud he was that he finally would be getting the opportunity to drive the famous Ferrari red car.
“I’m extremely excited to start this new adventure,” he continued
“It’s a dream since I was a child – I’ve always been looking at the red car, hoping to one day be in this car. It’s a very emotional day for me.
“I’ve also been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy for some years. That has helped me massively to develop as a driver, with the goal to one day finally have this seat, which is now happening. It’s a very proud day for me.”