Mick Schumacher joins Ferrari Junior

Michael Schumacher, the son of legendary German champion and Formula 1 world champion Michael, has officially joined Ferrari's emerging driver program.

Ferrari also announced the participation of other Formula 2 drivers, Kalum Elliot and Giuliano Alizi, alongside Marcus Armstrong, Robert Schwartzman, Enzo Vittibaldi and Gianluca Petekov.

However, Antonio Foucault, winner of Formula 1, and Guan Yu Zhou, European driver of Formula 3, who will join the Formula 2 this year, are no longer part of the Ferrari Junior Academy.

Ferrari's new manager, Mattia Pinoto, was an engineer at Maranello Castle when Michael Schumacher fought his five consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004.

"For someone like me who has known Mick since his childhood, there is no doubt that welcoming him to Ferrari has a distinct meaning," Pinot said.

"But our choice was signed by Mick in recognition of his talent, his human and professional qualities and his advantage over others, despite his young age."

Mick said that he was "very happy" to join the Ferrari family because of his family ties with the Italian brand, as well as the history and success of the team.

Mik's father, Michael, spent 11 seasons at Maranello Castle, joining the team in 1996 before Formula 1 retired for the first time at the end of the 2006 season.

"It is obvious that the prestige that Ferrari has held in my heart since birth, as well as in that of my family," said Schumacher.

"I am personally grateful for this opportunity."

Schumacher, who is preparing for Formula 2 this year, should give his first chance to lead Formula 1 in mid-season.

There are two trials of two days each during the 2019 season. Two of the four days must be completed by a driver who has not participated in more than one Formula 1 race in his career.

Ferrari gave Antoni Giovannizzi the opportunity last year, but the Italian now occupies a key seat at Sauber for the 2019 season.

Schumacher may also be available now for the Ferrari, Haas and Sauber teams.