Schumacher linked to Ferrari academy

Mick Schumacher, son of seventime Formula One champion Michael, has reportedly linked up with the Ferrari driver academy.

Schumacher, 19, will spend 2019 racing in Formula 2 – the final feeder category before F1 – with leading Italian team Prema.

The BBC has reported sources close to Ferrari have confirmed that the deal that will see Schumacher undertake two tests with the Ferrari F1 team this year.

His father won five of his seven championship crowns in the famous Ferrari colours.

Michael Schumacher, who turned 50 on January 3, has not been sighted publicly for more than five years.

He suffered severe brain injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013 and was placed in an induced coma until June, 2014.

His family have kept his exact condition a closely guarded secret since his accident.

Ferrari have refused to confirm the deal with Schumacher but said they were interested in him joining the academy.

Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm has not responded to the BBC’s requests for comment.

Schumacher, who won the European Formula 3 championship in his second attempt in 2018, was present at the post-season F1 test with Ferrari in Abu Dhabi last November.

Charles Leclerc, who will partner Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari in 2019, is a graduate of the Ferrari academy as is new Sauber signing Antonio Giovinazzi.