Ferrari considering end to driver academy under Marchionne
Ferrari’s young driver academy, established in 2009, could be scrapped as new president Sergio Marchionne questions its value compared to direct investment in car development.
Ferrari’s driver academy faces an uncertain future, with reports from Italy suggesting the programme could be abandoned as president Sergio Marchionne reviews its cost and effectiveness. The Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat reported that Marchionne, known for his tight control of spending, is sceptical about the value of the academy and is considering shifting resources to the Formula One team’s car development.
The Ferrari Driver Academy, launched in 2009, was designed to nurture young talent for a potential future in Formula One. Its most prominent graduate, Jules Bianchi, died in July 2015 from injuries sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. Current academy members include Antonio Fuoco, Raffaele Marciello, Lance Stroll and Guan Yu Zhou. The loss of Bianchi, who had been widely tipped for a Ferrari seat, has left the programme’s direction in question.
Pressure to redirect investment
According to Ilta Sanomat, Marchionne and team principal Maurizio Arrivabene believe that the funds allocated to the academy would yield greater benefit if spent on technical development. This view reflects a broader push within Ferrari to prioritise immediate competitiveness in Formula One.
No final decision on the academy’s future has been announced. If Ferrari does end the programme, it would mark a shift in the team’s approach to driver development, potentially leaving young talents to seek support elsewhere. The move would also align with Marchionne’s record of cost-cutting and focus on core performance gains.
