Charles Leclerc is set to make the jump to Ferrari for the 2019 season by replacing Kimi Raikkonen at the Scuderia. Leclerc has impressed hugely in his rookie season so far and reports in Italy today suggest the deal is already signed.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, chairman and CEO of Ferrari Sergio Marchionne wants to promote the Monegasque driver sooner rather than later and will want him to partner Sebastian Vettel next season instead of Raikkonen.
The deal is reportedly worth two million euros a year which is subject to increase to three million euros per season in 2020.
Leclerc maintains that he is solely focused on his season with Sauber rather than any potential move to Ferrari but admits he has been flattered by the interest.
"I do not think about it much, even if it is difficult. I hear the voices and I'm happy because it has always been my dream, if one day it happens it would be wonderful."
Ferrari could announce the deal as soon as the German Grand Prix however what is more likely to happen is for the announcement to take place between the Belgian and Italian Grand Prix's, a popular time frame for Ferrari to announce news as they have done in the past.
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