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Amid Sebastian Vettel Exit Rumours, Ferrari F1 Pushes Juniors For Solid F2 Drive

Published 11/28/2019, 8:56 AM EST

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Ferrari F1 are flexing their muscle in exploring their options in the driver market. Amid constant rumors of Sebastian Vettel’s retirement, Ferrari F1 are getting aggressive in ensuring their academy drivers gain valuable experience in Formula Two. 5 drivers from the Ferrari Driver Academy will line up for the 2020 Season in Formula Two.

Sebastian Vettel was touted as the man who could end Ferrari F1’s now decade long wait for a Drivers world championship. A strong debut season with the Prancing Horse in 2015 was followed by a dismal 2016. In 2017 and 2018, Despite some strong performances, Sebastian Vettel was unable to land a championship, against a very competitive Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes F1. During the 2019 season, the tension in Ferrari F1’s camp is heated as both Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel have come together on several occasions, including in the penultimate race of the season at Interlagos.

While the young Charles Leclerc will more than likely be the man leading Ferrari F1 in the 2020s, the identity of the second driver will be one of the most talked about discussions over the course of the 2020 season. To that end, 5 Ferrari Academy drivers will line up in Formula Two. The most impressive of the lot, will undoubtedly be one of the front runners for a seat in 2021.

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Callum Illot (GBR),  Robert Shwartzman (RUS),  Mick Schumacher (GER), Giuliano Alesi (FRA), March Armstrong (NZ) are lining up for the grid and will undoubetly be under the scanner for Ferrari.

Mick Schumacher, son of Ferrari F1’s greatest driver Michael Schumacher will be teaming up with Robert Shwartzman with Prema Racing. The young German had a dismal first season in Formula Two, currently languishing 12th in the championship with 51 points. Despite a single race win in Hungary, the pressure will be on the young Schumacher to step up.

His teammate, Robert Shwartzman won the 2019 Formula 3 Championship by a comfortable margin. The young Russian has had a stellar start so far in his fledgling racing career, and a good outing in Formula Two will certainly raise the question for a seat.

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Another former Ferrari F1 driver’s son, Giuliano Alesi, son of Jean Alesi will suit up for HWA Racelab. Moderate success came in his days in GP3, but he struggled in Forumla Two. He languishes 18th in the standings with 10 points.  On the flip side, he has finished in the points in 3 of the last 4 races in Formula Two.

Robert Shwartzman will see a familar name in Marcus Armstrong. The New Zealand youngster has had good results in his young racing career. It includes second in the 2019 Formula 3 Championship. Joining ART Grand Prix, one of the more successful teams in the series pressure will be there from day 1.

The last youngster, Callum Illot  had an average season in Formula Two this year. 11th with 56 points isn’t the best of records. A couple of podium finishes and 4th place finishes this season were there for him. There’s definite potential for this youngster to stake a claim for a senior drive.

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There’s young talent rising through the academy ranks, it’s still yet to be seen if they will replace Sebastian Vettel. The quadruple world champion has indicated he will retire on his terms.

Whatever be the case, Ferrari are sitting at a cross road path for their driver line up in 2021. It’s now up to them to see how they will move forward in the 2020s.

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