... RIP: the FDA's impending collapse ~

True FDA has not produced a top talent but it becomes irrelevant if Ferrari isn't building a title contender car. I could be wrong but from the outside FDA almost looks like a knee jerk reaction to the Redbull and McLaren programs.

Ferrari had in Alonso arguably the best driver on the grid and could not retain him due to the lousy cars they have built lately.

On the bright side Ferrari is always able to attract top talent and has the means to pay for it so developing drivers looks like second priority.

 

Dare I say that Ferrari is behind the curve when signing drivers? They just want to sign the best rather than grow the best.

I read a post here saying that Ferrari should use the money to build a better car than sign big contracts with drivers.

It makes sense that they sign a good driver to drive an awful car to make it look good. Nice logic.

 

I disagree with the opening premise. Jules was a great example. Until his wretched accident he was definitely destined to a seat at Ferrari.

Ferrari don't believe in fast-tracking drivers, that's true, but they do have a path which I believe is sound.

There is a lot of talent at FDA which I'm really looking forward to seeing develop.

 

What does a driver development program really mean? Jules joined the FDA in 2010 when he was already racing GP2, same thing for Sergio Perez.

Very different approach when you look at Vettel who joined the Redbull program at age 11 and Hamilton who did the same with Mclaren at 12.

 

I think JEV is a great addition.

 

FDA had hired guys from the karts too.