Vasseur praises 'champion' attitude of Leclerc

Alfa Romeo Sauber boss Fred Vasseur has praised the professionalism and 'champion' attitude of his young driver Charles Leclerc whose career he has nurtured for years, whilst also revealing that Sauber will hopefully be implementing a junior driving academy from the 2019 campaign onwards.

Twenty-year-old Leclerc won the Formula Two championship last year and is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, with Sauber currently acting as a developmental team for the Scuderia.

Vasseur has been with Leclerc since his GP3 days, and believes the Monegasque has the correct attitude to be a champion.

"I've known Charles since his karting days," Vasseur told France's Auto Hebdo.

"I'm happy because this is the first driver I've had in the junior categories that I now work with in F1. He did not miss a single debriefing.

"I will not mention anyone, but there were others who would have returned to the hotel. All the drivers are fast, but the champions have something else as well."

Leclerc's partner for the 2018 season will be Marcus Ericsson, who is seen as somewhat of a journeyman driver by some figures in the sport, but Vasseur thinks the Swede has not had the right tools so far, whilst also revealing a project that will see Sauber open a junior driver academy.

He seldom had good equipment so his chances were limited," Vasseur told Switzerland's Blick about Ericsson's lack of success.

"But he was good in the last 10 grands prix. He has developed a lot, he is a team player and he gives good feedback.

"I have worked with young drivers for 20 years. I am planning a junior academy at Sauber, probably from 2019. But there must be real potential, as with Charles Leclerc."