Ferrari Driver Academy

Ferrari Driver Academy is an initiative from Formula One team Scuderia Ferrari to promote young talent inside its own organisation, with several drivers being selected and funded by the team, being under long-term contracts.

The idea of the concept came from Felipe Massa's grooming within the Ferrari organisation, with the Brazilian being loaned out to Sauber for three seasons whilst being under contract with Ferrari. Jules Bianchi became the first recruit to the scheme in December 2009, being followed by Mirko Bortolotti, Daniel Zampieri and Raffaele Marciello in March 2010. In late 2010, Ferrari confirmed Sergio Pérez had been signed up to the scheme, the Mexican being set to be its first graduate to Formula One competition, having already signed for Ferrari-powered, Sauber, days before the announcement. Pérez ceased being a member of the Academy after signing to McLaren for the 2013 Formula One season. Bianchi also ceased being a member in July 2015 after succumbing to injuries he sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while racing for the Ferrari-powered Marussia F1 Team. Lance Stroll ceased being a member following his departure to Williams F1. Marciello ceased to be a member for personal reasons. After rumours of the academy being disbanded, it was announced that the programme would be expanded with Massimo Rivola as its new head. On 23 June 2015, Fuoco had his first Formula One test with Ferrari during the 2-day post-Austrian Grand Prix test in Spielberg at the Red Bull Ring. In March 2016, it was announced that Leclerc would be inducted into the Ferrari Driver Academy. In September 2016, it was announced that Giovinazzi would perform simulator work for Scuderia Ferrari. In November of that year, Enzo Fittipaldi was among five drivers invited to join the Ferrari Driver Academy and was confirmed as a Ferrari Driver Academy member alongside Marcus Armstrong the following month. Later in December 2016 it was announced that Antonio Giovinazzi would become the third driver for Scuderia Ferrari in 2017.

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