Source: Sauber F1 Team

F1 News

Ferrari to replace Raikkonen with Leclerc

Ferrari to replace Raikkonen with Leclerc

21-06-2018 17:30
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Bobby Vincent

Ferrari are ready to swap Kimi Raikkonen for Charles Leclerc for 2019.

Motorsport.com are reporting that Ferrari have made the decision to axe Raikkonen and replace the 38-year-old with rising talent, Leclerc.

Raikkonen signed a one-year contract extension with Ferrari last year, but it looks like it is time up for Kimi.

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne hinted at the exit in December of last year, saying:

"2018 is probably the last season to find the right key."

Raikkonen actually started this season very strongly with three podium finishes out of four, in the opening races.

Recently, the 2007 world champion has finished off the podium in Monaco and Canada.

Motorsport.com also reports that Ferrari considered the possibility of Daniel Ricciardo, but were put off due to wage demands.

Leclerc is still a rookie in terms of experience, with this being his first season in Formula 1.

The 20-year-old has scored points in three out of the last four races and is now Sauber's main driver.

This isn't usually Ferrari's style of doing things - they often stick with experienced and established drivers.

But this risk they could take, could potentially help them with their constant need to win the Constructors' Championship.