Former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan believes Ferrari have taken the long-term view by promoting Charles Leclerc alongside Sebastian Vettel in 2019.
The Monegasque will become the youngest race driver for the Scuderia since Ricardo Rodriguez almost six decades ago when he lines up on the grid in Australia next March, replacing the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen.
Though the Irishman concedes there might be a short-term risk associated with the move, he does see the likely benefits in the future when Leclerc would be expected to be a team leader.
"I have to ask myself one question, is Charles likely to get more points in the championship next season than Kimi would have? I wouldn’t bet on that," he said on Channel 4 in Singapore.
“However, could Leclerc be a world champion in the future? Absolutely. Perhaps Ferrari are thinking of a champion post-Vettel."
It is believed the 20-year-old, who was initially signed by then-chairman Sergio Marchionne before he tragically died in July, could be contracted to Ferrari until 2022, which is two years longer than Vettel.
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This week, Charles will step behind the wheel of the SF-71H at a Pirelli tyre test at Paul Ricard as the Italian supplier finalises compounds and constructions for next year with his future teammate taking over the other day.
Mercedes will also be in attendance with Valtteri Bottas driving.
