British racing driver Callum Ilott has secured a seat as the first PREMA IndyCar driver as the team marks its inaugural entry into the American open-wheel racing scene in 2025.
The announcement comes as PREMA Racing, a renowned name in motorsport with a storied history in various racing series, prepares to expand its footprint beyond Europe and enter into the highly competitive world of IndyCar racing next year.
Callum Ilott, who has previously raced with Juncos Hollinger Racing from 2021 to 2023, emerges as the first PREMA IndyCar driver as the Italian outfit embarks on this new venture. His experience in the series, coupled with his impressive background in junior formula racing, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead the team’s efforts.
During his tenure with Juncos, Ilott demonstrated remarkable talent, achieving notable results including a front-row start and multiple top-five finishes. However, his departure from the team was marred by challenges that included team dynamics and external pressures from fans, which ultimately led to a split that many viewed as unjust.
Despite the setbacks, the 25-year old’s journey in motorsport has been marked by significant achievements. He was a runner-up in the 2020 Formula 2 Championship, narrowly missing out on a Formula 1 seat amid his strong performances.
His early career included successful stints in European Formula 3 where he secured six wins and eleven podiums while racing for PREMA. This connection with the outfit has remained strong over the years, making his return to the team a natural fit as they transition into IndyCar.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to experience IndyCar with PREMA, their first steps in the series and in the U.S.,” said Ilott.
“What an amazing chance. I love the racing, I love these cars and I love the team, so it’s great to be back to what they call the Italian family home.
“It’s going to be something special to build off, a lot of hard work but I’m excited to join the team and see what we can do together.”
The decision for PREMA Racing to enter IndyCar is a strategic move that reflects the team’s ambition and commitment to competing at the highest levels of motorsport. Founded in 1983 by Angelo Rosin, PREMA has built a reputation for nurturing young talent and achieving success across various categories, including Formula 2 and Formula 3.
The team has produced several drivers who have gone on to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport, including current Formula 1 stars like Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Callum Ilott back with us for this new chapter of our history,” said PREMA owner Rene Rosin.
“We had a great time working with him in Formula 3, and we always kept an eye on him after that. He proved to be a great fit for us in the past, and I think he will feel like picking up something he had left off.
“He proved his outstanding speed skills everywhere he competed. In addition, his prior IndyCar experience will be an invaluable asset.
“Now that the opportunity to get back together has come, we are determined to make the most out of it.”
As part of its entry, the PREMA IndyCar team will field two full-time cars powered by Chevrolet’s new 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power units. This partnership not only boosts the team’s competitive edge but also signals Chevrolet’s commitment to expanding its presence within the series.
The team will operate from a state-of-the-art facility located in Indiana, which is undergoing renovations to accommodate their ambitious plans.
PREMA’s entry into IndyCar is not merely about participating; it is about establishing itself as a formidable contender right from the start. Team Principal Rene Rosin expressed excitement about this new chapter for PREMA Racing, emphasizing their respect for IndyCar’s unique challenges and rich history.
Rosin’s vision includes leveraging their extensive experience in developing young drivers and applying that knowledge to succeed in IndyCar.
The addition of Callum Ilott as the first signing PREMA IndyCar driver is seen as a significant step towards achieving these goals. His familiarity with PREMA’s operations and culture will undoubtedly aid in creating a cohesive team environment as they prepare for their debut season.
Ilott’s previous successes and challenges within IndyCar provide him with valuable insights that can be instrumental in navigating the complexities of American open-wheel racing.
As preparations for the 2025 season ramp up, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new team will adapt its successful European model to the unique demands of IndyCar racing.
