This year’s F1 action is far from over but the changes happening in terms of the drivers will certainly shake things up a bit. To start with, Fernando Alonso retires from McLaren and will be replaced by rookie Lando Norris.
F1 2018 Odds
Leclerc and Raikkonen swap seats
Meanwhile, the big move is Leclerc coming in to replace Kimi Raikkonen as Vettel’s new teammate. Raikkonen makes the move back to his Sauber, where he first started out as a young F1 driver.
Leclerc is understandably ecstatic to be getting behind the wheel for Ferrari, recently sharing his feelings with his Twitter followers: “Dreams do come true. 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 won the F2 championship in style
At 20 years old, Leclerc has earned his place on the Ferrari team with his sensational win of the F2 championship last year. He finished with 282 points, 72 points ahead of nearest rival Markelov. His first year in F1 with Sauber has shown he can definitely hold his own against the more experienced drivers and his sixth-place finish at Azerbaijan is his highlight so far. Big things are expected of the young driver when he sits in the powerful Ferrari car.
Lando Norris is just 18 years old
18-year-old Norris is currently battling for the F2 Driver championship and is currently placed second with 197 points, Russell leads with 219. Norris will be keen to finish his F2 career on a high before he turns his attention to F1.
F1 2018 Odds
Gasly joins Verstappen at Red Bull
Red Bull are also putting their faith in younger drivers with Pierre Gasly joining Max Verstappen to make a youthful partnership. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner revealed his excitement at promoting the Frenchman: “His stellar performances this year at the Honda-powered team, in only his first full season in Formula 1, have only enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport and we look forward to Pierre bringing his speed, skill, and attitude to the team in 2019.”
2019 is all geared up to be an exciting and very youthful year of racing, as a new generation of drivers takes to the grid.