---
title: "Sebastian Montoya Admitted Into Ferrari Driver Academy"
description: "The 12-year-old son of veteran racer Juan Pablo Montoya takes another potential step towards Formula 1."
date: "2018-02-11"
modified: "2018-02-11"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18400/sebastian-montoya-admitted-into-ferrari-driver-academy"
categories:
  - "F1"
  - "News"
  - "Racing"
tags:
  - "Charles Leclerc"
  - "Ferrari"
  - "Formula 1"
  - "Juan Pablo Montoya"
  - "Karting"
  - "Racing News"
---

# Sebastian Montoya Admitted Into Ferrari Driver Academy

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/02/26231592_1987456098189893_6606945672875371380_n.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Sebastian Montoya has spent the last few years of his short life making a name for himself racing around the globe while also continuing the record of success that his father [Juan Pablo](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/14236/the-bugatti-chiron-and-juan-pablo-montoya-just-set-a-ridiculous-speed-record>) established before him. The Ferrari Driver Academy has taken note of this and has welcomed young Montoya into the group of elite youngsters.

According to [*Autosport*](<https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134268/montoya-son-joins-ferrari-academy>), 12-year-old Sebastian Montoya has been hand-picked by Maranello to join the upcoming class of Ferrari Driver Academy drivers. Montoya, who has found great success in karting in the United States and Europe, grew up racing with the factory backing of kartmaker Birel Art but abruptly switched to Tony Kart in December of 2017. Rumors have always linked Tony Kart to the [Ferrari Driver Academy](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17553/ferrari-f1-signs-daniil-kvyat-to-developmental-role>), and Montoya's sudden progression may prove these rumors to be true.

![message-editor%2F1518366602419-26906989\_1987456431523193\_3595787289026330736\_n.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1518366602419-26906989_1987456431523193_3595787289026330736_n.jpg>)
*Montoya wins the Ocala round of the SKUSA Winter Series., *Facebook**

The Scuderia's academy is led by Massimo Rivola who was the F1 team's sporting director and worked closely with Vettel, Alonso, and Raikkonen during his 18-year stint in the F1 circus. Rivola is now in charge of developing the physical, mental, and PR talents of rising stars like Enzo Fittipaldi, Antonio Fuoco, [Charles LeClerc](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/13030/new-f1-rumors-suggest-formula-2-driver-leclerc-could-be-in-a-sauber-for-2018>), Giuliano Alesi, and now Sebastian Montoya. Recognize a few last names, there?

Some would say that a famous last name would bust many doors wide open in the world of motorsports, but the truth is that a last name simply isn't enough to succeed at the highest form of open-wheel racing—just ask an Andretti or [Senna](<https://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16835/bruno-senna-rounds-out-united-autosports-lineup-for-rolex-24-at-daytona>).

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)