Gianluca Petecof has announced he will no longer be part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021, bringing an end to his three-year stint with the programme.
The Brazilian raced in the Formula Regional European Championship last year, beating Prema team-mates Arthur Leclerc and Oliver Rasmussen to the title.
Financial issues loomed over Petecof’s 2020 season, as he had to secure additional funding to see out the year.
The 18-year-old spent 2018 and 2019 racing in Formula 4 in Italy and Germany as a Ferrari junior, taking six race wins across the two years.
Speaking on social media, Petecof said: “Today I announce that I won’t continue my collaboration with the Ferrari Driver Academy for the 2021 season.
“10 wins, 10 pole-positions, F-Regional European Title and 40 FIA points. These were my first 3 seasons in Europe in which together I developed as a driver and as a person.
“Feels good to conclude this as a champion! Thank you to everyone in the Ferrari Driver Academy and all Scuderia Ferrari but specially the Tifosi who have supported me since Day 1. Ci vediamo presto, Grazie Mille!
“Now it’s time for a new chapter in my career and I can say that I’m as hungry as never before!”
Ferrari recently added new members to its junior academy, bringing karting’s James Wharton onboard, as well as Maya Weug, the programme’s first female driver.
Petecof is yet to announce his plans for the 2021 season.
