Callum Ilott joins Ferrari Driver Academy

Callum Ilott has been named as the latest member of the Ferrari Driver Academy following a strong showing in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship through 2017.

Ilott, 18, moved up to FIA F3 directly from go-karts in 2015, and has claimed eight race wins in the last two years, recording a highest finish of fourth in the final championship standings this year.

Ferrari announced on Thursday that Ilott will join its young driver programme, becoming its first British member.

"Ferrari Driver Academy is pleased to announce that British driver Callum Ilott is the latest promising young driver to be selected for its development programme," a statement from Ferrari reads.

"18-year-old Ilott joins the FDA in his third season in car racing, having just finished the FIA F3 European Championship. He comes with a strong pedigree in international Formula 3 racing, having made the jump directly from karting as reigning European Champion.

"Ilott joins Charles Leclerc, Antonio Fuoco, Guan Yu Zhou, Giuliano Alesi, Marcus Armstrong and Enzo Fittipaldi in the programme, which supports talented young drivers on their career path in motorsport."

Ilott's racing plans for 2018 are still to be defined, but the Briton already has experienced in Formula 2 machinery after testing a car at the end of last season and making his race debut at Silverstone earlier this year.