Ferrari has officially announced the launch of Mick Schumacher into its young driver programme.
Mick Schumacher, son of all time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, was earlier reported to being close to finalize his arrangement with Ferrari for its Driver Academy.
Ferrari announced Schumacher, who aced European Formula 3 championship, being on board for FDA. It also announced other drivers that the brand will take on board to its academy. Formula 2 drivers Callum Ilott and Fiuliano Alesi along with Marcus Armstrong, Gianluca Petecof, Enzo FIttipaldi and Robert Shwartzman will join the academy.
Mattia Binotto, Ferrari F1 new team principal, had served as an engineer when Maranello run the team with Michael Schumacher from 2004 to 2004.
The Binotto played his role in five out of seven world titles for Schumacher.
Binotto said: “For someone like me who has known him from birth, there’s no doubt that welcoming Mick into Ferrari has a special emotional meaning.
“But we have chosen him for his talent and the human and professional qualities that have already distinguished him despite his young age.”
Schumacher has and emotional bond with the team for its success and history especially with his family, which “thrilled” him to get on board.
His father remained on board with the Italian manufacturer for 11 seasons. He joined Ferrari in 1996 and took retirement after completing the season of year 2006.
“It is more than obvious that Ferrari has a big place in my heart since I was born and also in the hearts of our family,” said Schumacher.
“So I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well.”
The arrangement with Ferrari will provide an opportunity to Schumacher, who will run for Formula 2 season this year, to feel F1 car before officially joining the F1 tracks. He will be provided with a contemporary F1 car for an in-season test.
The rules compelled the drivers, who have failed to compete for at least three F1 championship races, to appear for two days test. There are two tests scheduled for 2019.
Antonio Giovinazzi with his arrangement to Ferrari was set to appear for the said scheduled test last year but he moved to Sauber for a full time racing seat.
