An announcement that many considered inevitable, Ferrari has conformed that Mick Schumacher – son of 7-times F1 World Champion and a Ferrari legend – has joined its Young Driver Academy. Mick, reigning European Formula 3 Champion, joins a choice selection of youngsters who will be supported and schooled by Ferrari on their way – hopefully – to stardom with the Scuderia.
Mattia Binotto, the new Team Principal at Ferrari, worked with Michael Schumacher during his astonishing run of victories at the team between 2000 and 2004, 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 Thrilled
Mick admitted to being ‘thrilled’ at the appointment, adding:
“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. So I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well.”
Schumacher is set to contest Formula 2 this season, and the Ferrari appointment will likely open up the opportunity for the youngster, still only 19 years old, to get some time in a current F1 car at one of the in-season tests. FIA rules state that two of the test days must be completed by drivers who have driven no more than two Grands Prix.
The Ferrari Young Driver Academy also lists Enzo Fittipaldi, grandson of twice world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, and Giuliano Alesi who is the son of former Ferrari favourite Jean Alesi, among others.
Michael Schumacher’s condition following his life-threatening skiing accident in December, 2013 remains shrouded in secrecy at the request of his family.
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