The young Monaco race driver Charles Leclerc will make his debut in the FIA European F3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. After becoming vice-champion in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS in his first ever single-seater season, the 17 year old youngster steps up with the experienced squad of Frits van Amersfoort in 2015.
Charles Leclerc, who is managed by All Road Management run by Nicolas Todt, made his marks in karting by winning European and World titles in the major categories. The youngster from Monaco promoted to single seater racing in 2014 by winning 2 races, 9 podium finishes and claiming 1 pole position in Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS and adding some strong showing in the FR2.0 Eurocup, including 3 podiums finishes in three race meetings.
The next challenge for the Monaco talent will be the FIA European F3 Championship. The series has developed into an important stepping stone to Formula 1 for up-and-coming drivers. Charles will face the competition in 11 race meetings held in 8 countries before to travel to the streets of Macau for the famous F3 Grand Prix. Both the driver and All Road Management opted to go with Van Amersfoort Racing because of the winning package the Dutch squad has to offer and the positive outcome of the testing sessions done with the Team at the end of last year.
The outfit led by Frits van Amersfoort is one of the top teams in the FIA European F3 Championship and has a long and successful history in coaching talented young drivers. Max Verstappen, now F1-driver at Toro Rosso, is the latest example.
Charles Leclerc says:
“I’m very happy to join Van Amersfoort Racing and the highly rated FIA F3 European Championship for this season. The team and I have an exciting challenge ahead of us. Following the test I did last December in Valencia, I really look foward to working with such an experienced and successful team.The FIA F3 European Championship produced great champions in the past, so i think it’s the best place for me to keep growing as a driver.”Frits van Amersfoort says:
“It is our privilege to welcome Charles at our team. He impressed us with his performance in Karting and in the ALPS championship. Securing the vice-championship in his first year in single-seater, being only 17 years old, is impressive. Charles has the raw speed and race craft to play a prominent role in the FIA F3 European Championship. It is our challenge to give him the tools to be successful from the very beginning.”