Charles Leclerc will replace Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari in 2019 as Sebastian Vettel's new team-mate.
But the Finn will be staying in F1 after signing a deal to rejoin Sauber - where he began his career - for 2019 and 2020 in what is effectively a straight swap of seats.
"Dreams do come true," Leclerc posted on Twitter. "I'll be driving for Ferrari for the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship. I will be eternally grateful to Ferrari for the opportunity given."
Leclerc is a Ferrari graduate who currently drives for the Scuderia's customer team Sauber after winning the F2 championship in 2017.
The 20-year-old's appointment marks a radical departure from Ferrari's traditional reluctance to field a young and inexperienced driver.
But Leclerc has been hugely impressive this term and it is understood that, prior to his death this summer, Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne had resolved to promote the rookie at Raikkonen's expense.
Comments