OFFICIAL: Ferrari confirm Leclerc as Vettel's 2019 team-mate

Ferrari have confirmed that Charles Leclerc will replace Kimi Raikkonen to partner Sebastian Vettel in the 2019 Formula 1 season. Leclerc has impressed in his rookie season with Sauber, but the Scuderia throwing their lot in with such a young talent remains a stunning development, one that sees Raikkonen move in the opposite direction.

Raikkonen was understood to have the trust and backing of both Vettel and new Ferrari CEO Louis C. Camilleri, however a contract signed with former president Sergio Marchionne before his passing will see Leclerc step up, with the backing of new president John Elkann.

Reports around the Italian Grand Prix suggested that Ferrari had investigated the prospect of paying Leclerc compensation to renege on his deal and give Raikkonen another year, but that was put to bed as Ferrari confirmed that Raikkonen was leaving for Sauber on a two-year deal, then releasing a statement adding that Leclerc will begin a contract at the start of 2019.

The Monegasque driver has title wins to his name in both F1's feeder series, GP3 and Formula 2, and has looked the part at the highest level.

Only Fernando Alonso (14) has outqualified his team-mate more times than the 11 occasions Leclerc has edged out Marcus Ericsson on Saturdays in 2018, while the 20-year-old has scored points in five races to the Swede's four.

Dreams do come true... I'll be driving for @scuderiaferrari for the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship. I will be eternally grateful to @scuderiaferrari for the opportunity given. To @nicolastodt for supporting me since 2011. To my family:heart:. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/O4GQVO570b — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) September 11, 2018

Although Raikkonen has enjoyed an amicable relationship with Vettel, his performances have sometimes left much to be desired and Marchionne branded him a "laggard" last season.

The Finn's performances have improved this year - he has secured nine podiums and is third in the drivers' standings - but he remains without a grand prix win since returning to the Scuderia in 2014, a run that stretches back 109 races to the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. His fans will no doubt be delighted that he is remaining in an F1 seat for the next two seasons, back at the team he drove for back in 2001.

It is also a statement of intent from Ferrari who, traditionally, have opted for drivers with more experience, but they have put clear faith in the talents of Leclerc, setting up an intriguing relationship with Vettel next year.

MORE: Raikkonen departs Ferrari for Sauber on two-year deal