Leclerc is predicting an "exciting time for Formula 1" with next batch of drivers

Charles Leclerc believes Formula 1 is fast-approaching an exciting time as the next batch of drivers move towards the top. Leclerc and his rival Max Verstappen are already picking up experience at the front of the grid and are currently battling against the old guard in Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

"It feels very good, but I don't think we are just a three. Overall it's going to be an exciting time for Formula 1. There are a lot of youngsters coming that I know extremely well. We have all grown together and I know how strong they are. I believe it's going to be very competitive in the next couple of years which is great for Formula 1," Leclerc told Autosport.

Lando Norris, George Russell, Alex Albon and Antonio Giovinazzi are already in Formula 1, but none have experienced starting from pole or battling for podium places against the best. Both Leclerc and Verstappen have already done this and the Ferrari driver suggests this might be an advantage.

"This is a big difference. Even last year I was not fighting for pole positions, but to be fighting with Lewis and Seb you feel proud because these are the drivers I was hoping to join one day when I was karting. It felt weird at the beginning but it's the start of the second year and it feels a bit more normal and I'm used to it," Leclerc added.