FERRARI have announced that Kimi Raikkonen will step down at the end of the Formula One season.

The former world champion is set to end his spell with the Italian team and will be replaced by Sauber's Charles Leclerc, a week after SunSport revealed Raikonnen had been told his £10million-a-year deal would not be renewed.

In a shock move, Sauber have announced that they have snapped up Raikkonen on a two-year deal.

Frederic Vasseur, CEO of Sauber Motorsport and Team Principal of the Alfa Romero Sauber F1 Team said: “Signing Kimi Raikkonen as our driver represents an important pillar of our project, and brings us closer to our target of making significant progress as a team in the near future.

“Kimi’s undoubted talent and immense experience in Formula One will not only contribute to the development of our car, but will also accelerate the growth and development of our team as a whole.

“Together, we will start the 2019 season with a strong foundation, driven by the determination to fight for results that count.”

Raikkonen won the F1 World Championship in 2007 and is regarded as one of the top drivers in the sport.

He has 20 Grand Prix wins and 100 podiums to his name, and Ferrari admit they are sad to see him go.

A statement read: “During these years, Kimi’s contribution to the Team, both as a driver and on account of his human qualities, has been fundamental.

“He played a decisive role in the team’s growth and was, at the same time, always a great team player.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari fans can now look forward to seeing French youngster Leclerc join the team after his move from Sauber was confirmed at the same time.

Ferrari said: “Scuderia Ferrari announces that in the next Formula One racing season, Charles Leclerc will drive for the Team alongside Sebastian Vettel.”

Leclerc was previously a test driver for Ferrari in 2017, having won the Gp3 Series and FIA Formula 2 Championship.

He has picked up 13 points in 14 races for Sauber this season, leaving him 15^th in the rankings.