Amidst a series of changes to the Ferrari Driver Academy’s development programme for 2024, Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, will be leaving the FDA.
Leclerc joined the academy in 2020 and finished runner-up in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema.
In 2021, he stepped up with the Italian outfit up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, taking three wins across two seasons and finishing 6th overall in the series in 2022.
This year, Leclerc competed in Formula 2 with DAMS, but claimed just a single podium finish on his way to P15 in the championship.
While Leclerc will depart Ferrari’s academy, the Monegasque will retain an affiliation with the House of Maranello, suggesting that the manufacturer’s support and guidance will continue to be extended to the 23-year-old in some form.
“We would like to thank Arthur Leclerc as he moves on from the FDA,” Ferrari said. “Arthur will remain part of the Ferrari family and we’re excited to see his next journey.”
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Joining Leclerc in exiting the academy is James Wharton, who emerged victorious in the inaugural Ferrari Driver Academy Scouting World Final in 2020. Wharton’s accomplishments include claiming the F4 UAE title and finishing fourth in Italian Formula 4 in 2023.
For their part, Aurelia Nobels and Maya Weug will continue their journey with the FDA, with both female chargers slated to compete in the F1 Academy series in 2024.
Arther Leclerc – Dams, Monza.
Furthermore, Marco Matassa, who has managed the FDA since 2018 will be relinquishing his position, paving the way for Jock Clear to take over as the new head.
An accomplished F1 veteran, Clear brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Ferrari Driver Coach since joining Ferrari in 2015.
His involvement in Formula 1 dates back to 1989, when he joined Benetton. His career trajectory has included stints as an engineer for Jacques Villeneuve at Williams and Rubens Barrichello at Brawn GP.
Clear’s expertise further extended to his role as the performance engineer for Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher during his tenure at Mercedes, before making the switch to Ferrari.
Senior Ferrari engineer Jock Clear will head the FDA from 2024.
The changes announced to the Ferrari Driver Academy reflect the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and identifying aspiring drivers who possess the potential to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
With a new head at the helm and a focus on continuous improvement, the academy is poised to continue its legacy of producing exceptional racing stars.
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