BREAKING: Ferrari sign Mick Schumacher to F1 junior programme!

Ferrari have announced the signing of Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael, to their junior programme, as the reigning Formula 3 champion moves into Formula 2 this year.

Schumacher is not the only driver joining the Ferrari Driver Academy, as he will be joined by F2 drivers Callum Ilott and Giuliano Alesi (son of Jean Alesi).

Marcus Armstrong, Robert Schwartzman, Enzo Fittipaldi (grandson of Emerson Fittipaldi) and Gianluca Petecof have also been signed up to the FDA.

Mattia Binotto, Ferrari's new team principal, was at the team already when Michael Schumacher dominated Formula 1, winning five titles in a row between 2000 and 2004. This makes it more special for him to welcome his son into the team's academy.

“For someone like me who has known him from birth, there’s no doubt that welcoming Mick into Ferrari has a special emotional meaning," Binotto said in an official statement.

“But we have chosen him for his talent and the human and professional qualities that have already distinguished him despite his young age.”

Mick Schumacher himself reflects the special feeling Binotto has, as Mick is well aware what his father has meant and still means to the Maranello-based team.

“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,” the 19-year-old said.

“So I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well.”

Ich bin überglücklich, nun Teil der @insideFDA und auch @ScuderiaFerrari Familie zu sein. Ich werde alles für meinen Traum von der @F1 tun. Ferrari hat einen großen Platz in meinem Herzen und auch in unserer Familie, deshalb freue ich mich auch auf persönlicher Ebene. pic.twitter.com/hI1klNGt73

— Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) January 19, 2019