Leclerc focusing on opportunity, not nerves, as Vettel's teammate

Charles Leclerc does not feel nervous about partnering four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari in 2019, instead focusing on what he can learn from his new teammate.

Leclerc was promoted into a Ferrari F1 seat after an impressive rookie season with Sauber last year, replacing Kimi Raikkonen for 2019.

The Monegasque driver appeared in his first Ferrari F1 car unveiling on Friday in Maranello as the new SF90 car was revealed to the world.

“I’m extremely excited to start this new adventure. It’s been a dream since childhood, I’ve always been looking at the red car,” Leclerc said.

“I’ve also been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy for some years now. That has helped me massively to develop as a driver, with the goal one day to have this seat. Now it’s happening.

“An extremely proud day for me.”

Leclerc will go head-to-head with Vettel, who has finished runner-up in the F1 drivers’ championship for each of the past two years, and has been beaten just once by his teammate across the course of a season.

While it is set to be an intense challenge for Leclerc in only his second F1 campaign, the 21-year-old is relishing the opportunity to learn from Vettel.

“[I’m] not nervous. I think it’s more an opportunity for me, to be next to Sebastian who is such a champion,” Leclerc said.

“I can definitely learn a lot from it. I see it more as an opportunity.

“I’m definitely sure it will be an amazing season. The goal will be to work together.

“I’m sure we’ll make it."