On the way to second place in this year’s F2 championship, Ilott achieved five pole positions and three race wins. When Schumacher rose to F1 as F2 champion with the Haas F1 team in 2021, the 22-year-old confirmed that he will not be returning to the championship next year.
He has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2017 and was previously a Red Bull Junior Driver, but was withdrawn from the program after the 2015 season.
“I am very pleased to be part of Scuderia Ferrari as a test driver from next year,” said Ilott.
“I look forward to contributing to the team’s work on and off the track and to all the new things I can learn as I take on this exciting new challenge. I will do everything I can to do a good job and gain as much experience as possible. ” as much as possible to keep advancing as a driver.
“I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy and Scuderia Ferrari for this great opportunity and support. It has been an honor to have been part of their program for three years and I look forward to continuing our journey together.”
He had previously tested F1 machines for Alfa Romeo in Barcelona in 2019, but plans for him to drive in free practice for Haas at the Nürburgring have been canceled due to bad weather. Then in September he drove a Ferrari of the specification 2018 in Fiorano with academicians Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman.
This morning Ilott took part in the F1 test for young drivers in Abu Dhabi with Alfa Romeo. He set the eighth fastest lap time and tested for the Swiss squad together with Robert Kubica.
Earlier this week, Ilott stated that he will not be returning to F2 in 2021, stating, “I just missed it [on the title] by 14 points. I could always give reasons, but I don’t want to make excuses. I have a feeling if you’re in the top three or two you shouldn’t have to prove yourself again. “
A costly spin in the second of the four Silverstone races while well placed resulted in a non-finish, while Schumacher was able to extend his lead on F2 points through contact in the Mugello feature and the sprint races in Bahrain.
A forced pit stop for Schumacher in the Sakhir Finals gave Ilott an opportunity to launch an assault on the top two spots he needed to overtake his rival in the championship, but the UNI Virtuosi driver’s revised tires meant he wasn’t could slide back to a later 10th when a relieved Schumacher claimed the title in 18.
