The countdown to the 2024 Formula 1 season has begun, and Scuderia Ferrari is already making strategy calls, both on and off the track.
The Prancing Horse has unveiled their strategical line-up of reserve and development drivers, showcasing experienced racers and emerging stars who are ready to work alongside Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, hoping to leave their tyre marks on the upcoming season.
Oliver Bearman joins as a reserve driver
Heading the reserve driver line-up is Oliver Bearman, a rising talent from the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA).
At just 18, Bearman is set to juggle his Formula 2 commitments with Prema alongside his now crucial role of Scuderia Ferrari Reserve Driver.
This young prodigy has already demonstrated his prowess, earning a taste of the F1 world with a Fiorano test last year, in 2023, and his FP1 outings with Haas F1 Team in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. Joining the seasoned Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman in the shared reserve role, Bearman is set to add a fresh burst of energy and versatility to the Scuderia’s reserve bench.
With a challenging 24-race calendar ahead, Ferrari expanding their reserve team is crucial considering Giovinazzi and Shwartzman’s commitments in the World Endurance Championship.
Arthur Leclerc becomes a development driver
Taking the spotlight alongside FDA members Antonio Fuoco and Davide Rigon, Arthur Leclerc has stepped out of the Ferrari Driver Academy but is continuing his journey with Maranello as a development driver.
Photo credits: Scuderia Ferrari
Focusing on simulator work, car development, and setup optimisation, the Monegasque will be putting his skills to the test in the Italian GT championship with Scuderia Baldini 27.
It’s a busy year for the Leclercs, with Arthur’s older brother gearing up for a busy season in the SF-23, sharing the track with Carlos Sainz.
Weug joins PREMA Racing for F1 Academy
Ferrari’s PREMA Racing have welcomed Maya Weug to the F1 Academy for the 2024 season, joining the Italian team in the all-female series.
Weug, born in Spain with Belgian and Dutch nationalities, has moved quickly through the ranks, clinching the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars program and securing her spot in the FDA.
Weug’s journey from karting to Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine has been nothing short of impressive. With a successful run in Italian F4 and a rookie victory in Formula Regional, the 19-year-old is ready to carve her path in the F1 Academy with the support of PREMA Racing.
Ferrari’s excitement doesn’t end with announcements. The team are gearing up for a three-day Pirelli tire test in Barcelona from January 29-31, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the SF-23. The team will also run the 2022 SF-75, with Arthur Leclerc taking the wheel on the first day, followed by Sainz and the elder Leclerc on the second day, with Bearman closing the show on day three.
