Robert Shwartzman has left Ferrari to join PREMA for their maiden IndyCar season in 2025.
Shwartzman has been one of Ferrari’s F1 reserve drivers for the last two seasons following his graduation from their driver academy, and has also driven for the team in GT World Challenge and World Endurance in last two seasons.
He also participated in FP1 sessions for Ferrari in 2022 & 23 seasons, plus twice for Sauber this season – during which he picked up a five-place grid penalty for overtaking under yellow flags which he will only serve if he drives in a F1 race.
The 25 year-old Russian though has decided to leave the Scuderia to reunite with PREMA for their maiden IndyCar season, having raced for the Italian outfit between 2018-21 in F3 Europe, FIA F3 and F2 respectively.
Upon confirmation of his move, Shwartzman was excited at his reunion with PREMA and racing in a new category.
“I’m definitely very very excited to be back at PREMA to start a new adventure in INDYCAR. Everything will be new to us and there will be many challenges, but it will also be a lot of fun and a lot of work at the same time.
“I think a very successful future lies ahead for us. INDYCAR is a very competitive series, with so many strong drivers, and I’m looking forward to the racing, as it looks really cool.”
Oval racing marks new territory for both driver and team but Shwartzman believes that their history together will help them develop together.
“I have never driven on ovals and to master them, it will be a completely new challenge.
“However, with PREMA we achieved a lot in the past, and I think that my F1 and Endurance experience will be helpful to make us evolve fast and get up to speed quickly.”
PREMA Team Owner, Rene Rosin is “extremely delighted” to welcome Shwartzman to the team, and is of belief that they can get up to speed quickly and adapt to IndyCar.
“He is an extremely talented driver and I think that, by working together, we will be able to overcome the steep learning curve that lies ahead of us.”
PREMA IndyCar CEO, Piers Philips added that Shwartzman’s talent will be of benefit to the team.
“We think his skills and versatility will help him considerably, and will also help our team to learn faster and be more efficient.”
Shwartzman will partner ex Ferrari Driver Academy member, Callum Ilott who has spent last four seasons in IndyCar, albeit in brief stints in 2021 and 24 seasons amidst full-time campaigns in 22 & 23 seasons.
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