F1: Charles Leclerc's rise through junior years

Formula 2 | 2017

Leclerc finished head and shoulders above the rest in Formula 2

Charles Leclerc was joined by fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member Antonio Fuoco to drive for Prema Racing in 2017. Leclerc dominated the season and secured the drivers' championship with three races to go, with Artem Markelov second and Oliver Rowland finishing third.

He was on pole 8 times and won 7 races, winning the title with a massive 72-point gap. He impressed with his race craft and composure. In 2017, he was also the test driver for Sauber and Ferrari, with a drive in 2018 almost confirmed given his superlative season in which he left rival drivers in his wake. He was the rookie of the year when he debuted in Formula 1 with Sauber, unsurprisingly.

Prema didn't win the constructor's title, which was decided in the final race, with Russian Time winning by 15 points. To win a championship with such a margin when the team didn't manage the constructors' championship also pointed to Leclerc's talent and speed, which Ferrari has invested in.