Ferrari cancels single-seater series

The Ferrari-backed Florida Winter Series will not be run in 2015, but the Formula 1 team insists its young-driver program remains a priority.

Organizers of the three-round junior single-seater series, launched in 2013 by the Ferrari Driver Academy, last month announced a schedule comprising a test and a round at Sebring and further races at Palm Beach and Homestead for February next year.

A Ferrari spokesperson confirmed to AUTOSPORT that the series, which was significantly reduced in cost from its inaugural season and priced between $75,000 and $92,000, had subsequently been cancelled but said it may return in 2016.

Its 2014 edition featured Ferrari youngsters Raffaele Maricello and Antonio Fuoco, and gave new Toro Rosso F1 signing Max Verstappen his car-racing debut. It was created to give young single-seater drivers track time and race weekend experience away from the pressure of main-season competition.

Ferrari F1 boss Marco Mattiacci told reporters at last weekend's United States Grand Prix that while its young-driver program was changing, it's still an important part of the Scuderia's future.

"Yes we are trying to make some tuning but I think the strategy is to bring on board more and more young driving talent," he said when asked if the Ferrari Driver Academy would continue. "I hope to have more young people around me so I have a pool of talent where I can poach for the future of Ferrari."

Originally on Autosport.com