Charles Leclerc is very popular around the world for being a Ferrari driver in F1. Charles played a bit of a role in helping his younger brother, Arthur Leclerc, get a spot in Ferrari’s Driver Academy. With the help of the Prancing Horse, Arthur was able to make his way to the Formula 2 Championship in 2023.
Arthur Leclerc drove for the Ferrari Driver Academy in Formula 2 during the 2023 season. After just one season in Formula 2, Ferrari has decided to part ways with the younger Leclerc brother for the 2024 season. This came as a shock to many as the Leclerc family has a good relationship with Ferrari.
Arthur Leclerc asked to leave Ferrari Driver Academy
During his rookie season in F2, Ferrari was hoping that Arthur would finish somewhere near the top 5, or at least a top 10 finish in the WDC. Unfortunately, Leclerc only managed to finish 15th in the Championship. During his Formula 3 career, he finished 10th in his first season and 6th in his second season. This may not be the best result if he wishes to become an F1 driver.
In order to turn heads in the F1 paddock, a driver will really need to prove themselves in F2 and F3. This can only be done by getting quick results. Unlike F1, the drivers are provided with cars of similar performance. This evens the playing field among the drivers. During their rookie season in F2, a driver will have to at least finish in the top 10. Anything below that will not be ideal if they hope to make it to F1.
🚨 | Arthur Leclerc won’t be part of the Ferrari driver academy next season.
Maya Weug and Aurelia Nobels will race in F1 Academy.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) December 21, 2023
With Arthur only finishing 15th, his chances of making it to F1 are slim. However, he could still take part in the following season of Formula 2 if he is able to get a seat in one of the teams. His old team, DAMS has already announced an all-American driver lineup for the 2024 season. This will keep Arthur searching for a seat.
There is also a concern about how this sacking could affect Ferrari’s relationship with Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver has a contract to drive for Ferrari until the 2024 season. There is also a rumor that he has signed a 5-year extension with the team. Over the years, Charles has shown nothing but loyalty towards Ferrari. It may not be smart for him to leave the team at the moment given the future Ferrari could have.
Who will be driving under Ferrari’s Driver Academy in 2024?
With Arthur Leclerc leaving the academy, there is only 1 driver in Ferrari’s driver academy taking place in F2. Oliver Bearman entered the academy in 2021 and has shown some promising results. In his rookie season in F2 in 2023, Bearman was able to finish 6th in the Championship. Hence, Ferrari has retained Oliver for the 2024 season as well with hopes that he will compete for the Championship.
From the 2024 season, All F1 teams will have a team in the F1 academy which is a feeder series to bring female drivers into motorsports. Ferrari has announced Maya Weug and Aurelia Nobels to race for them in the F1 academy.
A garage tour like no other 🤩
Watch as our #FDA driver, Aurelia Nobels, takes a tour of the @ScuderiaFerrari garage 😍 pic.twitter.com/gWn001JY94
— Ferrari Driver Academy (@insideFDA) December 22, 2023
At just 16 years old, Aurelia Nobels has already taken part in a couple of Formula 4 series. She could be one of the promising women drivers coming out of the F1 academy given the right training and mentorship. Maya Weug has also taken part in a couple of F4 series. The Academy also has Rafael Câmara, Tuukka Taponen, and Dino Beganovic competing in the Formula 3 and Formula 4 Championships.
Ferrari is actively looking for more and more young drivers to be a part of their academy. They have produced a number of drivers who have graduated to F1. Charles Leclerc is one of the examples of that.