Ferrari has confirmed that it has signed 2018 Formula 3 European Champion Mick Schumacher to its Driver Academy.

Schumacher, who will be racing in the Formula 2 Championship, will take part in the pre-season preparation activities with fellow FDA drivers from next week .

"For someone like me who has known him from birth, there's no doubt that welcoming Mick into Ferrari has a special emotional meaning," said Mattia Binotto, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari, "but we have chosen him for his talent and the human and professional qualities that have already distinguished him despite his young age."

"I am thrilled that Ferrari has entered a partnership with me and my next future in motorsport will be in red," said Schumacher, "being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and also of the Scuderia Ferrari Family.

"Again, this is another step forward in the right direction, and I can only profit from the immense amount of expertise bundled there. Be sure I will make everything to extract whatever helps me achieve my dream, racing in Formula 1.

"It is more than obvious that Ferrari has a big place in my heart since I was born and also in the hearts of our family, so I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well. At this stage it is however also time to say thank you to my family, friends and partners who supported me all along and helped me arrive at this point."

The other 2019 FDA drivers are Giuliano Alesi and Callum Ilott, who will race in Formula 2 too, Marcus Armstrong and Robert Shwartzman, racing in FIA Formula 3, Enzo Fittipaldi, racing in FIA Formula Regional (Europe), and Gianluca Petecof in FIA Formula 4 (Italy and Germany).