Correa rejoins Sauber Academy following remarkable racing comeback

The 21-year-old had been part of the programme - designed to nurture the next generation of Formula 1 drivers - at the time he was involved in a horrific Formula 2 crash that tragically resulted in the death of Anthoine Hubert at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019.

Correa sustained severe leg injuries in the accident which halted his promising rise through the junior ranks.

Just 18 months after the devastating crash and while still in the middle of a long rehabilitation process, Correa announced that he would be making an inspirational return to single-seater racing this year in the F3 championship with ART Grand Prix.

Correa scored a point on his first weekend back racing during the opening round of the 2021 F3 season in Barcelona last month.

Ahead of this weekend’s French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard, where Correa got his first F1 test with Alfa Romeo in 2019 in a 2013-spec C32, it was confirmed that the American would rejoin the Sauber Academy.

“It’s very special to be back with the Sauber Academy,” said Correa.

"They’re the junior programme of the team I was with in 2019, when I had my first and only F1 test, and it’s a great feeling to be working with them again.

“I am very excited to show the Academy’s branding on my car and my helmet already from this weekend in France and I am looking forward to helping the team whenever needed, be it in the sim or elsewhere.

“I am very grateful to ART and Sébastien Philippe, and of course to Fred Vasseur, for all the support he has given me, and to everyone else at Sauber, from Beat Zehnder to all those who have been absolutely amazing and so supportive since my accident and throughout my recovery. It’s an honour to be back with this team.”

Sauber Motorsport sporting director Beat Zehnder praised the remarkable determination Correa has shown in making his racing comeback.

“Juan Manuel always displayed skill and determination, but his remarkable comeback from injury is an inspiring story that shows all his strength and will power,” he added.

“We have nothing but sheer admiration for his tenacity and we are happy to help him, through the Sauber Academy programme, as he resumes his motorsport career.”