Ferrari Driver Academy has announced that it has signed a contract with 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Champion Mick Schumacher.
Mick Schumacher, son of Michael, has been climbing the motorsport ranks in recent year, winning the F3 European Championship last year with PREMA. Lined up to race with PREMA as he climbs up to Formula 2 this season, he will also be taking part in pre- season preparation activities with fellow FDA drivers.
The other 2019 FDA drivers are Giuliano Alesi and Callum Ilott, who will race in Formula 2 too, Marcus Armstrong and Robert Shwartzman, racing in FIA Formula 3, Enzo Fittipaldi, racing in FIA Formula Regional (Europe), and Gianluca Petecof in FIA Formula 4 (Italy and Germany).
Mick has been openly courted by Ferrari & Mercedes as father Michael has strong ties to both teams. However, with Mercedes seemingly blocked up on drivers as Esteban Ocon prepares for a year on the sidelines, Mick has decided to opt for the team most synonymous with his father’s success and join Ferrari.
“I am thrilled that Ferrari has entered a partnership with me and my next future in motorsport will be in red, being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and also of the Scuderia Ferrari Family.” Mick said.
“Again, this is another step forward in the right direction, and I can only profit from the immense amount of expertise bundled there. Be sure I will make everything to extract whatever helps me achieve my dream, racing in Formula 1.
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. At this stage it is however also time to say thank you to my family, friends and partners who supported me all along and helped me arrive at this point.”
Mattia Binotto, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari commented “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.”
#TeamGermany are in the house! #ROCMexico https://t.co/pXVupbNa8P
— #ROCMexico (@RaceOfChampions) January 19, 2019
The timing of the announcement couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. Schumacher is in Mexico, racing with Ferrari’s current talisman Sebastian Vettel for Team Germany in the Nation’s Cup. Vettel was a protege of Schumacher Snr., having followed a similar career trajectory and early success just like Michael. Both Sebastian & Michael enjoyed tremendous success together in their ROC appearances for Team Germany.
