In a statement posted on Ferrari’s official website on Saturday, team principal Mattia Binotto said the 19-year-old driver was signed based on his talent and “human and professional qualities”.
“For someone like me who has known him from birth, there’s no doubt that welcoming Mick into Ferrari has a special emotional meaning, but we have chosen him for his talent and the human and professional qualities that have already distinguished him despite his young age,” Binotto said.
Schumacher said he was “thrilled” to be signed with the team.
“I am thrilled that Ferrari has entered a partnership with me and my next future in motor sport will be in red, being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and also of the Ferrari family,” the rising star said.
“It is more than obvious that Ferrari has a big place in my heart since I was born and also in the hearts of our family, so I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well.
“Again, this is another step forward in the right direction, and I can only profit from the immense amount of expertise bundled there.
“Be sure I will make everything to extract whatever helps me achieve my dream, racing in Formula One.”
The new role means Schumacher, who this season will contest the Formula Two series, the feeder series to F1, and will most likely test a Ferrari F1 car this year.
Schumacher won eight times on his way to taking out the Formula Three championship with a race to spare last year.
It seems the young gun is set to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father.
Mick was skiing in the French Alps with his father in 2013 when Michael fell and suffered serious head injuries.
Michael, who recently turned 50, is understood to be receiving round-the-clock care at his home in Switzerland, but no information has been made public about his medical condition since the accident.
