Robert Shwartzman has officially been confirmed as the second driver for PREMA Racing IndyCar team ahead of its series debut in 2025.
The announcement marks a significant milestone not just for the Russian-Israeli driver, but also for the Italian outfit as it transitions from its successful tenure in junior formula racing to the highly competitive realm of IndyCar.
Joining forces with Callum Ilott who was confirmed by PREMA Racing IndyCar team on September, Robert Shwartzman is set to bring his extensive racing experience and ambition to the NTT IndyCar Series, a move that has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Shwartzman, who has been a prominent figure in the Formula 1 development program particularly with Ferrari failed to secure a full-time F1 seat despite his impressive track record which includes a runner-up finish in the Formula 2 championship.
Opportunities in the sport turned out to be elusive as teams shuffled their line-ups and new talents emerged, making the 25-year old’s path to F1 increasingly uncertain. Consequently, his decision to join IndyCar is seen as a strategic move aimed at revitalizing his racing career while competing at a high level.
The announcement from PREMA Racing IndyCar team comes after months of speculation regarding their driver line-up for the upcoming season. The Italian team has long been recognized for its success in nurturing young talent through various racing categories, including Formula 3 and Formula 2.
By signing Shwartzman, the PREMA Racing IndyCar team not only secures a driver with a wealth of experience but also reinforces its commitment to developing talent that can thrive in different racing environments. His familiarity with the outfit’s operations, having raced with them since 2018, adds an additional layer of synergy that is likely to benefit both parties.
“I’m definitely very very excited to be back at PREMA to start a new adventure in IndyCar,” he said. “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. 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.”
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Team owner Rene Rosin added: “We are extremely delighted to welcome Robert Shwartzman back to the PREMA family.
“We have had some exceptional seasons together, winning a lot of races and the 2019 FIA F3 title, and we also thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
“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. I cannot wait to see him and Callum compete under the PREMA banner again.”
As Robert Shwartzman embarks on this new chapter with the PREMA Racing IndyCar team, he joins an impressive roster of drivers who have made similar transitions from junior formulas to IndyCar. The series has increasingly become an attractive destination for former F1 hopefuls seeking competitive opportunities outside of Formula 1’s limited seats.
Alongside Ilott, who also faced challenges in securing an F1 seat before opting for IndyCar, Shwartzman represents a growing trend where talented drivers are choosing to carve out their paths within this competitive landscape.
IndyCar’s reputation as a fiercely competitive series cannot be overstated. With an array of experienced drivers already established within its ranks, Shwartzman will need to quickly adapt and prove himself among some of the best talents in motorsport today.
However, his previous experience in various racing disciplines—including his time as Ferrari’s F1 test driver and his participation in endurance racing—will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates this new environment.
