Ferrari Driver Academy: From Karting to Formula 1

The Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy is Ferrari’s official youth development program, designed to identify and cultivate exceptional racing talent for potential Formula One careers. Currently supervised by former F1 driver Jérôme d’Ambrosio, the FDA provides comprehensive training that goes far beyond simply teaching young drivers how to go fast.

Based at Ferrari’s legendary Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy, the Academy offers an immersive experience where aspiring champions receive world-class instruction in racing technique, physical fitness, mental conditioning, technical understanding, and media training. It’s not just about creating fast drivers – it’s about developing complete racing professionals ready for the intense pressures of Formula 1.

The concept for the Ferrari Driver Academy emerged from Felipe Massa’s development within the Ferrari organization. The Brazilian was loaned to Sauber for three seasons while under contract with Ferrari, demonstrating the value of nurturing talent through practical racing experience.

In December 2009, Jules Bianchi became the first recruit to the Academy, followed by drivers like Mirko Bortolotti, Daniel Zampieri, and Raffaele Marciello in 2010. Mexican driver Sergio Pérez joined later that year, becoming one of the program’s early success stories as he graduated to Formula One competition.

After early uncertainties about the program’s future, Ferrari expanded the Academy under the leadership of Massimo Rivola, setting the stage for its greatest achievements.

No discussion of the Ferrari Driver Academy is complete without highlighting its crown jewel: Charles Leclerc. The Monégasque driver’s journey perfectly illustrates what the Academy can achieve when talent meets opportunity.

Leclerc joined the FDA in March 2016, fresh off an impressive fourth-place finish in the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship. His progression through the ranks was meteoric. In 2016, he dominated the GP3 Series with ART Grand Prix, claiming the championship with multiple victories. The following year, he moved to Formula 2 with Prema Racing and once again proved unstoppable, securing the title with seven wins and ten podium finishes.

His performances caught everyone’s attention. During his title-winning F2 campaign, Leclerc demonstrated remarkable racecraft and maturity. At his Bahrain debut, he made an unconventional pit stop during the sprint race for fresh tires and surged from 14th to victory. In Baku, he achieved a rare double victory just days after his father’s passing, showcasing extraordinary mental strength.

In September 2018, Ferrari announced that Leclerc would become the first Academy member to graduate to the Scuderia for the 2019 season, making him the youngest driver to hold a Ferrari F1 seat in 50 years at just 21 years old.

Since joining Ferrari, Leclerc has lived up to the hype with eight Grand Prix victories, including emotional wins at Monza and his home race in Monaco. He finished runner-up in the 2022 World Drivers’ Championship, cementing his status as one of F1’s elite talents and validating the Academy’s development model.

What sets the Ferrari Driver Academy apart isn’t just access to Ferrari’s resources –  it’s the comprehensive, 360-degree approach to driver development.

Technical Excellence

Academy members receive intensive theoretical and practical training designed to help them maximize their natural talent. This includes countless hours in Ferrari’s state-of-the-art simulator, nicknamed “the spider,” where drivers can practice on any circuit in the world under various conditions.

But the training goes deeper than just driving. Young talents work directly with Ferrari engineers to understand the technical aspects of car development, learning about aerodynamics, setup changes, tire management, and race strategy. This technical literacy helps them communicate more effectively with their teams and understand how their feedback influences car development.

Mental Fortitude

The Academy recognizes that roughly 90% of a racing driver’s performance comes from mental strength. A dedicated team of sports psychologists works with each driver to develop stress management techniques, mental resilience, and the psychological tools needed to perform under pressure.

As FDA graduate Robert Shwartzman explained, the mental coaching taught him to focus only on things that help him perform better, allowing him to remain calm from the start of races. This psychological training often proves as valuable as the physical coaching.

Physical Preparation

Modern F1 drivers are elite athletes, and the Academy ensures its members are physically ready for the sport’s demands. Drivers follow personalized fitness programs developed months in advance, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, neck and core strength, reflexes, and overall conditioning.

Complete Professional Development

The FDA prepares drivers for life as public figures and team leaders. Training includes media skills, public speaking, sponsor relations, social media management, and cultural education. The goal is to produce drivers who are not just fast on track but also articulate, professional ambassadors for Ferrari and its partners.

The 2025 Ferrari Driver Academy roster represents the next generation of potential F1 stars:

Rafael Câmara – The Brazilian Sensation

Rafael Câmara has emerged as one of the Academy’s brightest prospects. After dominating the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship, the Brazilian made an immediate impact in his rookie F3 season with Trident in 2025. His three feature race victories in Melbourne, Sakhir, and Barcelona helped him claim the FIA Formula 3 championship, earning him the FIA’s prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

Câmara now moves to Formula 2 with Invicta for 2026, attempting to become the first driver to win FR Europe, F3, and F2 titles in three consecutive seasons – a feat that would place him among motorsport’s elite talents.

Dino Beganovic – The Swedish Challenger

A member of the Academy since 2020 and the 2022 Formula Regional European champion, Beganovic stepped up to Formula 2 in 2025 with Hitech. His maiden F2 season showed flashes of brilliance, including his first pole position at Imola and a podium finish. While consistency proved challenging, Beganovic demonstrated the raw pace that makes him a driver to watch. He’ll return to F2 in 2026 with DAMS, determined to build on his experience.

Tuukka Taponen – The Finnish Flyer

Finnish driver Tuukka Taponen joined the Academy in 2023 after winning the Ferrari Scouting World Finals. Racing with ART Grand Prix in F3 during 2025, Taponen showed steady improvement throughout the season, scoring points consistently and demonstrating the pace that convinced Ferrari to invest in his future.

Maya Weug – Breaking Barriers

In January 2021, Dutch driver Maya Weug made history as the first female member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. Competing in F1 Academy, Weug has been a consistent front-runner and title contender, battling for the 2025 championship. Her journey represents Ferrari’s commitment to diversifying motorsport and developing talent regardless of gender.

New Additions: The Next Wave

In August 2025, Ferrari welcomed two new young talents to the Academy. Alba Larsen, the Danish winner of the 2023 Girls on Track – Rising Stars program, impressed during her F1 Academy debut season. Italian racer Niccolò Maccagnani showcased exceptional promise in testing and Formula 4, earning his place after excelling at the ACI Sport Supercorso and topping a group test at Vallelunga. Both officially joined the program on January 1, 2026.

The Academy’s track record extends beyond Leclerc. Oliver Bearman graduated to a full-time Haas F1 seat for 2025 and beyond after impressive substitute performances. Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, raced in F1 with Haas from 2021-2022 after winning the 2020 F2 championship as an FDA member.

Other graduates include Sergio Pérez (Cadillac F1 driver), Antonio Giovinazzi, and several drivers who found success in other racing series, proving that the Academy’s training produces well-rounded professionals even when F1 opportunities don’t materialize.

Demonstrating Ferrari’s commitment to diversity in motorsport, the Girls on Track – Rising Stars program identifies exceptional young female talent. Winners receive FDA support and development opportunities. Maya Weug (2020 winner) and Laura Camps Torras (subsequent winner) have both joined the full Academy program, while Alba Larsen’s 2023 victory led to her official 2026 Academy membership.

For Academy members, life revolves around the historic Fiorano circuit. Drivers often stay in accommodations on the top floor of a building overlooking the track, where they can literally walk past the office once belonging to Enzo Ferrari himself.

The program organizes regular “camps” at mountain retreats or beach resorts where students develop teamwork skills and bond through activities ranging from skiing to swimming. These experiences serve multiple purposes: they help level the playing field (a karting star might not excel on ski slopes), teach humility, and build the camaraderie that’s essential for team success.

But the Academy isn’t just about training. It’s about becoming part of the Ferrari family. Charles Leclerc described how some of his closest friendships, including with Antonio Fuoco and Giuliano Alesi, were forged during his Academy days. The program creates a network of support that extends throughout drivers’ careers.

In 2019, Ferrari established the FDA Esports Team to compete in the Formula One Esports Series, expanding the Academy’s reach into virtual racing. Italian driver David Tonizza won the drivers’ championship in the team’s inaugural season, proving that Ferrari’s winning mentality extends to digital competition. The esports program provides another pathway for sim racing talents to connect with the broader Ferrari organization.

While not every Academy driver reaches Formula One, the program’s structure provides clear milestones for progression. Drivers typically follow this trajectory:

1. Karting Success – Identification through championships or Ferrari’s Scouting World Finals
2. Formula 4 – Introduction to single-seater racing
3. Formula Regional – Developing racecraft and consistency
4. Formula 3 – Competing on the F1 support calendar
5. Formula 2 – The final proving ground before F1
6. Formula 1 – The ultimate goal with Ferrari or a partner team

Throughout this journey, FDA members receive continuous evaluation, support, and guidance from Ferrari’s experts. The program’s personalized approach means each driver’s path is tailored to their development needs.

Several factors distinguish the Ferrari Driver Academy from other F1 junior programs:

The Ferrari Name: Racing for Ferrari represents the pinnacle of motorsport. The pressure and prestige of wearing the Prancing Horse motivates Academy drivers to perform at their absolute best.

Resource Access: FDA members train at Ferrari’s facilities, work with Ferrari engineers, drive Ferrari cars, and absorb the winning culture of one of motorsport’s most successful organizations.

Holistic Development: The Academy develops complete professionals, not just fast drivers. Mental coaching, technical education, and media training prepare members for the full spectrum of F1 responsibilities.

Proven Track Record: With multiple graduates competing in Formula One and Leclerc establishing himself as a championship contender, the Academy has demonstrated its ability to identify and develop world-class talent.

Long-term Support: Ferrari invests years in its drivers, understanding that talent development requires patience and comprehensive preparation.

As the 2026 season approaches, the Ferrari Driver Academy continues evolving. With talented drivers like Rafael Câmara climbing the ladder, fresh faces like Alba Larsen and Niccolò Maccagnani joining the program, and Lewis Hamilton having Ferrari experience under his belt, the Academy’s influence on Formula 1’s future has never been stronger.

The program represents more than just driver development – it’s Ferrari’s investment in motorsport’s future. By nurturing young talent from karting through F1, the Academy ensures that the next generation of champions will carry the Prancing Horse with the same passion and excellence that has defined Ferrari for over 75 years.

For aspiring racing drivers worldwide, the Ferrari Driver Academy remains the ultimate destination: a chance to train at motorsport’s most iconic team, learn from the best, and potentially follow in the footsteps of champions like Charles Leclerc. It’s where dreams meet dedication, where raw talent becomes refined skill, and where the future of Formula 1 takes shape beneath the Italian sun at Fiorano.

The Academy’s motto, borrowed from Enzo Ferrari himself, says it all: “I love to think that Ferrari can make drivers as well as cars.” Granted, Ferrari has seen brighter days than in recent years, but they still are the epitome of motorsports. If Ferrari can nail the 2026 regulation changes, the future might as well be red.

How to get into the Ferrari Driver Academy?

There are several pathways, but the most common route is through exceptional performance in karting or junior formula racing series.

Which FDA graduates have made it to F1?

Charles Leclerc, Oliver Bearman, Sergio Perez, Mick Schumacher and Antonio Giovinazzi.

Does being in the Ferrari Driver Academy guarantee an F1 seat?

No, while you get world class development opportunities, reaching F1 depends on many other factors.

What do FDA members actually do? 

Academy members follow comprehensive training programs that go far beyond driving (media duties, sponsor relationships, technical understanding, fitness programs, mental coaching etc).

Who is the most famous Derrari Driver Academy graduate?

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s Golden Boy. He is considered to be one of the most talented drivers on the grid.