Written by Dan Jones
Robert Shwartzman will make his debut in IndyCar as he he joins forces with his previous title-winning F3 team, PREMA, as the Italian marque confirm their line-up for their maiden foray in the NTT IndyCar Series as the Israeli-Russian joins the returning Callum Ilott in 2025.
Shwartzman previously raced for PREMA between 2018 and 2021, the highlight becoming the maiden FIA Formula 3 Champion with the team in 2019. Shwartzman would also finish third in the FIA F3 European Championship in 2018 before a fourth place finish in F2 in 2020, and a runner-up finish the next season.
The Israeli-Russian has since found himself in several reserve roles, for Ferrari in Formula One, as well as DS Penske in Formula E. Shwartzman's links with Ferrari saw an opportunity for him to compete in the World Endurance Championship this season in the No.83 AF Corse, alongside Robert Kubica and Ye Yifei. Shwartzman also recently stood in for Valtteri Bottas in the first practice session for Sauber at the Dutch Grand Prix as well as the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Shwartzman tested an IndyCar for the first time in 2023, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing at Sebring International Raceway. Shwartzman would top that test against the likes of future IndyCar drivers Sting Ray Robb and Kyffin Simpson.
Shwartzman joins PREMA as they embark on their new IndyCar project under the guise of Piers Phillips. PREMA team principal, Rene Rosin, stated the following about their driver line-up in PREMA's initial annonucement: “Our ideal line-up would be made of an experienced driver and a quick rookie. Of course, we will also have to take into consideration the drivers’ market and make the best possible choice for the Team."
PREMA therefore ticks the quick rookie box in Shwartzman, who has been known to step up to new machinery quickly, being fastest in Formula E's young driver test, and the WEC rookie test, in addition to his IndyCar test last season. Ilott will fill the experienced role that the team desired.
Shwartzman has been announced for a full season, and is the second driver who is known to be in the battle to claim 'Rookie of the Year' in 2025, alongside Louis Foster of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. This will signify Shwartzman's first experience on ovals, including that of the Indianapolis 500.
It's the next vital domino to fall in the turbulent driver market, with one of the most coveted seats remaining. The major question marks remain at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing and Dale Coyne Racing.
It's a closer step for PREMA until their IndyCar debut on the Streets of St. Petersburg on March 2nd. With their drivers and personnel locked in, it's time for them to start putting the hard work in ahead of their new IndyCar journey.
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