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.[1]
History
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.[2] 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.[3][4] 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.
Current drivers
| Driver | Years | Current Series |
|---|---|---|
 Antonio Fuoco |
2013– | GP3 Series |
 Guanyu Zhou[5] |
2014– | European Formula 3 |
 Charles Leclerc[6] |
2016– | GP3 Series[7] |
 Giuliano Alesi |
2016– | GP3 Series |
Former drivers
| Driver | Years | Series competed |
|---|---|---|
| Jules Bianchi |
2009–15 | Formula 3 Euro Series (2009) GP2 Series (2010–11) Formula Renault 3.5 Series (2012) Formula One (2013–14) |
| Mirko Bortolotti |
2010 | GP3 Series (2010) |
| Daniel Zampieri |
2010 | Formula Renault 3.5 Series (2010) |
 Sergio Pérez |
2010–12 | GP2 Series (2010) Formula One (2011–present) |
| Brandon Maïsano |
2010–12 | Formula Abarth (2010) Italian Formula Three Championship (2011–2012) |
 Lance Stroll |
2010–2015 | Kart (2010–2013) Italian Formula 4 Championship (2014) Toyota Racing Series (2015) FIA European Formula 3 Championship (2015) |
| Raffaele Marciello |
2010–2015 | Formula Abarth (2010) Italian Formula Three Championship (2011) Toyota Racing Series (2012) Formula 3 Euro Series (2012) FIA European Formula 3 Championship (2012–2013) GP2 Series (2014–2015) |
- Championship titles highlighted in bold.
See also
References
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