Armstrong leaves Ferrari Driver Academy, Ilott leaves IndyCar in the “gap year”

Armstrong, 21, joined Ferrari’s junior driver program in 2017 and has spent the last two years as a racing driver in FIA Formula 2.

The New Zealander has yet to confirm his racing plans for the coming year, but Ferrari announced on Tuesday that he was no longer part of the junior setup when the academy began its work for the coming year.

Ferrari also said that Ilott, who was the backup driver for the Alfa Romeo customer team in Formula 1 last year, would be “in a ‘gap year” “after moving full-time to IndyCar at Juncos Racing as it was” outside the practicable framework of “lies with the FDA as it could not provide the Englishman with sufficient support”.

The most prominent members of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022 will be Mick Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman.

Schumacher made his F1 debut with Haas last year and will combine his engagements on the team with a spare role at Ferrari for 11 races this year.

Shwartzman finished second in F2 last year and has already confirmed that he will not be returning to the series but will focus on his duties as Ferrari’s F1 test driver. Ferrari won’t have any drivers under its roof in Formula 2 this year.

Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari F1 driver Charles, will compete in Formula 3 this year after keeping his seat at Prema.

He is supported on the team by British youngster Oliver Bearman, who is a finalist for the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award and a new addition to the FDA.

Callum Ilott, test and reserve driver, Alfa Romeo Racing

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Ferrari explained that Bearman’s double title success in Formula 4 last year led to the decision to skip Formula Regional and jump straight into F3.

Dino Beganovic will remain in Formula Regional in 2021, while James Wharton, Maya Weug and newcomer Rafael Camara will drive in Formula 4.

Laura Camps Torras is the second woman to join the FDA after Weug and this year she will be driving karts while trying out an F4 car.

“The inclusion of the Ferrari Driver Academy 2022 begins its journey today,” said Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto.

“It is always an important day for the girls and boys involved and also for Scuderia Ferrari, because this program is an important part of what #essereFerrari means.

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“The FDA’s role is not just to bring out the best in the most talented young talent and get them to drive our cars in Formula One, but also to shape people and drivers who are capable of the values the Scuderia Ferrari to make the most of it. ” .

“This year, seven young men and two young women will work towards their ultimate goal of driving in Formula One.

“In 2022, the F1 field will consist of 20% former and current FDA students. The dream for them and for us is to do the same as Charles Leclerc, who is about to start his fourth season for Scuderia.

“I wish each and every one of you every success for the rest of the season, which you will certainly approach with a willingness to learn and, above all, with a smile, because being a racing driver is one of the most beautiful jobs in the world.”