Charles Leclerc has proved why Ferrari are considering him the best option to replace Kimi Raikkonen in 2019 with his latest performance at the French GP.In recent years, the Sauber team with which he currently drives has struggled at the back of the grid, even going full seasons without scoring points and facing financial problems.This year a new technical tie-up with Alfa Romeo, as part of a closer partnership with Ferrari, has seen the Swiss team make progress, mostly thanks to Leclerc who was also part of the deal as the top academy driver at the Scuderia.The Monegasque had made Q2 on four straight occasions before Paul Ricard and then on Saturday became the first man to make Q3 for that team since 2015, eventually managing eighth."It's just unbelievable," he told Sky Sports on his return to the paddock."It's probably the best recovery I did in my career from one day to another. Yesterday was a disaster, the car didn't feel great, I was not running very well."We changed completely the car today, I felt a lot better.

"I have no words to describe how I feel now. I've just had a smile since I passed Q3, and it's great. We all should be proud, the team and I, of what we achieved today."

Having arrived on the F1 grid as one of the likely star's of the future, following two consecutive championship years in GP3 and then F2, the 20-year-old already had a big reputation to live upto.

Two drivers in a similar situation were Sebastian Vettel, whom Leclerc could be partnering next season, and Lewis Hamilton who both went on to win four world titles each.

After qualifying, they too praised his performance.

"There's a lot of pressure for him, being here in the south of France, so it's really, really good," said Hamilton, after claiming pole.

"I'm happy for him, particularly in that car, he's done a great job with what he has - probably even more, which is what you hope from a good driver."

As for Vettel comments on his fellow Ferrari family member...

"I saw on the screen that [Sauber team boss] Fred [Vasseur] was happy so I knew one of his drivers did well in Q2," he said.

"Eighth is an impressive result, they are still quite a long way behind with the car.

"For him, he's doing the job, it's good for him and for Sauber as well to be up there and have a chance to score points."