Ferrari Driver Academy

Academy driver Maya Weug driving a Ferrari-liveried Tatuus F4-T421 at Zandvoort during the 2024 F1 Academy season
The idea for a Ferrari Driver Academy came from Felipe Massa's coaching 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 left the academy after signing to McLaren in 2013. Bianchi also ceased being a member in July 2015, after passing away from injuries sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix whilst racing for the Ferrari-powered Marussia team. Lance Stroll also left the academy, moving to Williams for the 2017 Formula One season. Marciello, on the other hand, ceased to be a member for personal reasons, though later stated that he was removed from the team and believed that Ferrari's team principal at the time, Maurizio Arrivabene, "just didn't like" him.

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, Antonio Fuoco had his first Formula One test with Ferrari during the 2-day post-Austrian Grand Prix test at the Red Bull Ring. In March 2016, it was announced that Charles Leclerc would be inducted into the Ferrari Driver Academy. In November of that year, Enzo Fittipaldi was amongst five drivers invited to join the Ferrari Driver Academy and was confirmed as a Ferrari Driver Academy member alongside Marcus Armstrong the following month. In late 2017, Ferrari added Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman and Gianluca Petecof to their line-up. Mick Schumacher, the son of multiple Formula One World champion Michael Schumacher was added to the lineup in 2019.

In September 2018, it was announced Leclerc would become the first academy member to graduate to Ferrari in 2019.

Mick Schumacher graduated to F1 with Haas F1 after winning the 2020 Formula 2 Championship, whilst Championship runner-up Callum Ilott was given a test and reserve driver role at Scuderia Ferrari. After 2020, three drivers left the academy: Giuliano Alesi, Enzo Fittipaldi and reigning Formula Regional European Champion Gianluca Petecof; meanwhile Australian karter James Wharton joined it after winning the Ferrari Scouting competition.

In January 2021, Maya Weug, 16, became the first female driver to join the academy. In Autumn of 2021 Ferrari added European Karting vice-champion Rafael Câmara and Italian F4 and ADAC F4 champion Oliver Bearman to their lineup, after the pair won the Ferrari's Scouting World Final.

Following the second running of the Girls On Track – Rising Stars competition, Laura Camps Torras was signed to the setup.

In July 2024, Haas F1 announced that they have signed Bearman on a multi-year contract beginning in the 2025 season.

^ Barretto, Lawrence (24 January 2019). "The Ferrari Driver Academy – F1's golden ticket to the top?". Formula One. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2025.

^ O'Leary, Jamie (2 December 2009). "Bianchi signs long-term Ferrari deal". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Archived from the original on 15 June 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2025.

^ Beer, Matt (6 March 2010). "Ferrari expands young driver academy". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2013.

^ Noble, Jonathan (8 October 2010). "Perez joins Ferrari young driver scheme". Autosport. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 7 March 2013.

^ "FDA testing at Fiorano: on track with Formula 3 today and F1 Thursday". Ferrari.com. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on