Current Formula 2 world champion Charles Leclerc is aiming to keep his "feet on the ground" as he adjusts to life in F1 with Sauber.
The Monegasque is the highest profile rookie to join the grid in 2018 after consecutive championships in GP3 and the rebranded F2 series, dominating the latter last year.
Many believe it is a matter of when not if Leclerc joins Ferrari, where he is an Academy member, but despite his recent success, the 20-year-old knows nothing is guaranteed once you have reached the pinnacle.
“Keeping my feet on the ground is I think the most important thing," he told Sky Sports looking ahead to the new season.
“Especially when you arrive in F1, some drivers may think that they have achieved their goal but I think there is a lot more to go after that.
"I have a lot of things to learn still and still a long way to go.”
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Leclerc's promotion was thanks in part to Sauber's new closer collaboration with Ferrari for this year which has seen another Fiat-owned brand in Alfa Romeo join as a technical partner and title sponsor.
That is a boost the Swiss team hopes can move them back into the heart of the midfield after several poor seasons and their new driver is also excited by the potential.
“Timing is one of the most important things in motorsport, I think, and it’s a great time for the team at the moment with the comeback of such a historic brand in Alfa Romeo joining Sauber," Leclerc commented.
