Arthur Leclerc follows Charles' footsteps and joins Ferrari F1 team

Looking ahead to the new Formula 1 season about to start, Ferrari have made a number of changes to the Ferrari Driver Academy and F1 team. These include Arthur Leclerc and Oliver Bearman both getting more prominent roles at the Scuderia.

More prominent role at Ferrari for Leclerc and Bearman

Ollie Bearman, the Ferrari junior currently driving in Formula 2 on behalf of Prema, will become a reserve driver for the Italian F1 team. That means he can fill in for Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz if one of them cannot be in action. Bearman will share this role with Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman.

Arthur Leclerc left the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy over the winter period after a lacklustre first season in F2. Nevertheless, Charles Leclerc's little brother remains part of the Ferrari family: he joins Antonio Fuoco and Davide Rigon in the role of development driver. He will mainly work in the simulator on the development of the car, its set-up and updates introduced during the season. In addition, the Monegasque will compete in the Italian GT Championship this year.

First mileage for Ferrari in 2024

From next week, Bearman and Arthur Leclerc will start gaining mileage for the Scuderia, when the team completes a three-day Pirelli test session at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. On 29 and 30 January, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will be behind the wheel of last year's SF23.

On Monday 29 January, Arthur Leclerc will drive a Formula 1 car for the first time: the 2022 F1-75. On Tuesday 30 January, Charles and Carlos will drive both the SF23 and the F1-75, while Oliver Bearman will be seen on track in the F1-75 on 31 January.