Armstrong exits Ferrari Driver Academy, Ilott on “gap year" in IndyCar
Marcus Armstrong has left the Ferrari Driver Academy ahead of the 2022 season, while Callum Ilott has been placed on a "gap year" after moving into IndyCar.
Armstrong, 21, joined Ferrari's young driver programme in 2017, and has spent the last two years racing in FIA Formula 2.
The New Zealander is yet to confirm his racing plans for the year ahead, but Ferrari revealed on Tuesday that he was no longer part of its junior set-up as the academy began its work for the year ahead.
Ferrari also said that Ilott, who spent last year as customer team Alfa Romeo's reserve driver in Formula 1, would be "on a 'gap year'" after moving into IndyCar full-time with Juncos Racing as it "falls outside the workable scope of the FDA as it would not be able to offer adequate support to the Englishman".
The most prominent members of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022 will be Mick Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman.
Schumacher made his F1 debut last year with Haas, and will combine his commitments at the team this year with a reserve role at Ferrari for 11 races.
Shwartzman finished as runner-up in F2 last year and has already confirmed he will not return to the series, instead focusing on his duties as Ferrari's F1 test driver. Ferrari will have no drivers under its umbrella in F2 this year.
Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari F1 driver Charles, will race in Formula 3 this year after retaining his seat with Prema.
He will be joined at 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 signing to the FDA.
Callum Ilott, Test and Reserve Driver, Alfa Romeo Racing
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Ferrari stated that Bearman's dual title success in Formula 4 last year meant it was decided he would skip Formula Regional and move straight into F3.
Dino Beganovic will remain in Formula Regional for 2021, while James Wharton, Maya Weug and new addition Rafael Camara will race in Formula 4.
Laura Camps Torras has become the second woman to join the FDA after Weug, and will race karts while also sampling an F4 car this year.
"The 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy intake starts its journey today," said Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto.
"It's always a significant day for the girls and boys involved and also for Scuderia Ferrari, because this programme is an important part of what #essereFerrari means.
"The FDA's role is not simply to get the best out of the most talented youngsters and lead them to race our cars in Formula 1, it is also about forming people and drivers who are able to make the most of the values that Scuderia Ferrari represents.
"This year, seven young men and two young women will work towards their ultimate goal of racing in Formula 1.
"In 2022, 20% of the F1 grid is made up of past and present 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 racing for the Scuderia.
"I wish each and every one of them the best of luck as they progress through the season, which I am sure they will tackle with the will to learn and above all with a smile, because being a racing driver is one of the best jobs in the world."
Related video
Ocon learned "quite a lot" from Alonso in first season as F1 teammates
How leader Gasly blossomed in "best season so far" in F1 2021
Team 18's coin toss chassis allocation
Supercars squad Team 18 used a combination of a coin toss and a ping pong ball lottery to allocate its new chassis to drivers Scott Pye and Mark Winterbottom.
BRT not fazed by Ford aero questions
Blanchard Racing Team isn't fazed about the unresolved Ford aero package ahead of its maiden Gen3 Supercars test at Winton tomorrow.
Australian GP releases more race day tickets
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has announced a final limited release of race day tickets.
Tickford unveils first 2023 livery
Tickford Racing has unveiled its first livery ahead of the 2023 season with the covers coming off Brad Vaughan's Super2 entry.
Who were the fastest drivers in F1 2022?
Who was the fastest driver in 2022? Everyone has an opinion, but what does the stopwatch say? Obviously, differing car performance has an effect on ultimate laptime – but it’s the relative speed of each car/driver package that’s fascinating and enlightening says ALEX KALINAUCKAS
Nico Hulkenberg: Why F1's nearly man is refreshed and ready for his return
He has more starts without a podium than anyone else in Formula 1 world championship history, but Nico Hulkenberg is back for one more shot with Haas. After spending three years on the sidelines, the revitalised German is aiming to prove to his new team what the F1 grid has been missing.
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? Luke Smith asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
What difference did F1's fastest pitstops of 2022 make?
While a quick pitstop can make all the difference to the outcome of a Formula 1 race, most team managers say consistency is more important than pure speed. MATT KEW analyses the fastest pitstops from last season to see which ones – if any – made a genuine impact
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.