Ilott named as Ferrari F1 test driver for 2021
Callum Ilott has been confirmed as Ferrari's Formula 1 test driver for next season, after finishing as Formula 2 runner-up to Mick Schumacher this year
Ilott scored five pole positions and three race wins on his way to second place in this year's F2 championship, and with Schumacher stepping up to F1 as F2 champion with the Haas F1 team in 2021, the 22-year-old confirmed he will not return to the championship next year.
He has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2017, and was previously a Red Bull junior driver, but was dropped from its programme after the 2015 season.
"I am very pleased to be joining Scuderia Ferrari as its test driver from next year," said Ilott.
"I look forward to contributing to the work the team does on and off track, and to all of the new things I can learn by taking on this exciting new challenge. I will give my all to do a good job and gain as much experience as possible to continue making progress as a driver.
"I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy and Scuderia Ferrari for this great opportunity and their support. It has been an honour to be part of their programme for the past three years and I am pleased to continue our journey together."
He has previously tested F1 machinery for Alfa Romeo at Barcelona in 2019, but plans for him to drive in free practice for Haas at the Nurburgring was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. He then drove a 2018-spec Ferrari at Fiorano in September with fellow academy members Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman.
Earlier today Ilott took part in the F1 Abu Dhabi young driver test with Alfa Romeo, posting the eighth-fastest lap time, testing alongside Robert Kubica for the Swiss squad.
Earlier this week Ilott explained he would not be returning to F2 in 2021, stating: "I only missed out [on the title] by 14 points. I could always give reasons why, but I don't want to give excuses. I feel like if you are in the top three or top two, you shouldn't have to prove yourself again."
A costly spin in the second of the four Silverstone races while well placed led to a non-finish, while contact in the Mugello feature and Bahrain sprint races allowed Schumacher to stretch his F2 points advantage.
An enforced pitstop for Schumacher in the Sakhir finale presented an opportunity for Ilott to mount an attack on the top-two place he needed to overhaul his rival in the championship, but the UNI-Virtuosi driver's overworked tyres meant he was powerless to avoid slipping back to an eventual 10th, as a relieved Schumacher claimed the title in 18th.
Sir Frank Williams in stable condition after being admitted to hospital
Mazepin loses court battle over failed attempt to buy Force India
NASCAR has a problem with Austin restarts, but does it really care?
NASCAR has a problem with Austin restarts, but does it really care? NASCAR has a problem with Austin restarts, but does it really care?
Trackhouse Project 91 NASCAR team won’t run Raikkonen next time
Trackhouse Project 91 NASCAR team won’t run Raikkonen next time Trackhouse Project 91 NASCAR team won’t run Raikkonen next time
How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king
How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king
Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis
Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis Sainz details 2023 F1 car problems after Ferrari analysis
Ferrari must not “bulls**t itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Ferrari must not “bulls**t itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur Ferrari must not “bulls**t itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Bagnaia: MotoGP riders need “clear idea” from stewards on penalties
Bagnaia: MotoGP riders need “clear idea” from stewards on penalties Bagnaia: MotoGP riders need “clear idea” from stewards on penalties
Quartararo ‘can’t use’ full Yamaha MotoGP engine power right now
Quartararo ‘can’t use’ full Yamaha MotoGP engine power right now Quartararo ‘can’t use’ full Yamaha MotoGP engine power right now
Miller feels he “gets doubted more than anybody” in MotoGP
Miller feels he “gets doubted more than anybody” in MotoGP Miller feels he “gets doubted more than anybody” in MotoGP
Ex-F1 test driver Gonzalez makes racing comeback in Praga
Ex-F1 test driver Gonzalez makes racing comeback in Praga Ex-F1 test driver Gonzalez makes racing comeback in Praga
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?
What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1? What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The state of play in F1's technical silly season
The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.