Leclerc, 18, is expected to join GP3 driver Antonio Fuoco and F4 racer Guan Yu Zhou in the Academy, as reported by Autosprint, with long-time Ferrari servant Raffaele Marciello set to part ways with the Scuderia after 2015.

The FDA had faced an uncertain future, tied to the likely departure of F3 race winner Lance Stroll to Williams and, subsequently, the exit of manager Luca Baldisserri as well.

However, Ferrari had repeatedly insisted it will carry on with the scheme, and it now appears that Baldisserri's role will be taken by sporting director Massimo Rivola.

Monegasque Leclerc, a close friend and mentee of the late Ferrari prospect Jules Bianchi, emerged as one of the frontrunners in European F3 this year.

He led the championship at one stage, but ultimately ended the season in fourth – albeit clinching the rookie title with ease and subsequently taking the runner-up spot in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.

Leclerc's exact plans for 2016 are yet to be confirmed, although speculation links him to a seat in the GP3 squad of ART Grand Prix, a team co-run by his manager Nicolas Todt.