Former Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello has advised Charles Leclerc on how best to cope with the pressure of racing for the Scuderia.
At just 21, the Monegasque will become the youngest man to drive for the Italian team in half a century when he lines up on the grid in Melbourne on March 16.
He also arrives with a weight of expectation after following up his Formula 2 success with a strong rookie season at Sauber, including stand-out performances in Baku, Sochi and Brazil.
“I’m super excited for him [Leclerc], he’s one of those young guys who really made his way through [impressively],” Barrichello told Autosport.
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Having partnered Michael Schumacher during his championship winning years and with nine wins of his own at Ferrari, the Brazilian veteran is very well placed to help Leclerc understand what awaits him in 2019.
“To get into Ferrari [and be successful], the only thing you need is to be really good in your head. Talent, we know he has,” Rubens said.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for [teammate] Seb[astian Vettel].”