Leclerc handed practice outings with Haas

Editor

Charles Leclerc has been handed five practice outings by Haas F1, starting at next month’s British Grand Prix.

The Monaco-born teenager, a member of the Ferrari Drivers Academy, is currently competing in the GP3 series with ART Grand Prix.

He won the season-opening feature race in Spain before finishing ninth in the sprint race to lead the championship with 27 points.

Leclerc will replace Esteban Gutierrez in FP1 at Silverstone.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get seat time in a Formula One car and I can’t thank Haas F1 Team and Esteban enough,” said the 18-year-old.

“I’m honoured by the faith Haas F1 Team and Ferrari have in me. This is an important step toward my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula One driver.”

Leclerc, who recently racked up the required 300km for a superlicence, has been welcomed by Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

“Charles Leclerc is highly regarded by Ferrari and his record speaks for itself,” said Steiner. “We’re happy to provide this opportunity and help develop the next generation of Formula One drivers.

“Credit also goes to Esteban for sharing his racecar and serving as a mentor to Charles.”