Ferrari has taken a significant step towards securing its future in Formula 1 by welcoming two promising talents into its Driver Academy. Italian Niccolò Maccagnani and Danish driver Alba Larsen have been selected to join the prestigious programme, marking a strategic enhancement to Ferrari’s junior lineup.
Alba Larsen, an emerging star in the F1 Academy, has caught the eye with her remarkable performance this season. At just 16, she has made her mark by consistently scoring points in nearly every race she has participated in, demonstrating impressive skill and maturity on the track. Larsen’s journey began when she clinched the Girls On Track – Rising Star award at 14, a feat that set her on Ferrari’s radar. Her progress through the 2024 season, particularly her performances with MP Motorsport, convinced Ferrari’s engineers that she was ready for the next step in her career.
Meanwhile, Niccolò Maccagnani has showcased his potential through a series of private tests, excelling in both karting and single-seater formats. His standout moment came when he topped the timesheets during a competitive Formula 4 test at Vallelunga, outpacing 36 other drivers. This feat underscored his readiness to step up to the challenges that the Ferrari Driver Academy presents.
Starting from January 2026, Larsen and Maccagnani will begin their journey with Ferrari’s Driver Academy. The team is set to carefully plan their racing schedules for the upcoming season, aiming to maximize their development and align their progress with the Academy’s high standards.
Ferrari’s commitment to nurturing young talent is well-documented, with the Academy’s alumni frequently progressing to the highest echelons of motorsport. Notable graduates include current Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, who now races alongside Lewis Hamilton. The inclusion of Larsen and Maccagnani reflects Ferrari’s ongoing strategy to cultivate future stars capable of carrying the Scuderia’s legacy forward.
