Callum Ilott PREMA Racing: Targeting Championship Glory in the 2025 Formula 2 Season

Callum Ilott is making waves in the racing world. He is preparing to join PREMA Racing for their debut in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 26-year-old British driver from Cambridge will pilot the No. 90 Dallara-Chevrolet as part of PREMA’s brand-new IndyCar operation. This marks an exciting new chapter for both the driver and the team. This partnership represents a reunion of sorts, as Ilott is already familiar with the Italian racing powerhouse.

The announcement comes as PREMA Racing expands its prestigious racing portfolio into IndyCar competition. Ilott, born on November 11, 1998, brings valuable experience to the table, having already competed in the IndyCar Series. His familiarity with the team’s Italian heritage adds an interesting dynamic to this partnership, with Ilott himself noting the cultural elements of working with PREMA. He jokingly referenced “pasta and pizza” as part of the team’s identity.

Callum Ilott’s Early Career

Callum Ilott’s journey to IndyCar began long before his current role with PREMA Racing. His path through motorsport’s junior categories showcased his natural talent and determination, laying the groundwork for his professional racing career.

Karting Beginnings and Rise to Single-Seaters

Ilott’s racing story began like many professional drivers–in karting. The British racer quickly established himself as a formidable talent on the karting circuit. He collected impressive results throughout his early teenage years.

By age 16, Ilott had already earned the distinction of becoming the first British driver to join the Red Bull Junior Team directly from karting. This early recognition spoke volumes about his natural ability behind the wheel.

His transition to single-seaters came in 2015, when he jumped straight into Formula 3 machinery. This was an unusually aggressive first step that bypassed the traditional Formula 4 entry point. This bold move reflected both the confidence in his abilities and his readiness to face steeper challenges.

Success in Formula 3

Ilott’s Formula 3 campaign truly hit its stride in 2017 when he joined PREMA Powerteam. This partnership proved instantly successful, with the British driver securing six victories across the 30-race season.

His aggressive yet calculated driving style suited the Formula 3 machinery perfectly. Ilott demonstrated exceptional overtaking abilities and a mature approach to race craft that belied his young age.

One highlight came at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix, where he showed remarkable speed against a field of international talents. Though victory eluded him there, his performances throughout the Formula 3 campaign cemented his reputation as a rising star.

The 2017 season saw Ilott finish 4th in the championship standings. This achievement caught the attention of larger organizations in the racing world.

Joining the Ferrari Driver Academy

In 2017, Ilott achieved what many young racers only dream of–induction into the Ferrari Driver Academy. This prestigious program, designed to develop future Ferrari Formula 1 talent, represented a significant endorsement of his abilities.

Under the Ferrari umbrella, Ilott gained access to world-class training facilities, expert coaching, and invaluable mentorship. The program’s rigorous approach helped refine his technical understanding and racing psychology.

Being associated with one of motorsport’s most iconic brands opened doors throughout the racing world. The Ferrari connection would later help facilitate moves into Formula 2 and other high-level categories.

For Ilott, this period marked a crucial developmental phase. It was where raw talent transformed into professional-level skill under the guidance of Ferrari’s experienced driver development specialists.

Racing in the Toyota Racing Series

Ilott enhanced his racing education through participation in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand. This winter championship allowed him to maintain race sharpness during European off-seasons.

The series provided valuable experience on unfamiliar tracks against diverse international competition. Racing in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer meant continuous development while European competitors sat idle.

The Toyota Racing Series is known for its competitive fields and challenging circuits. For Ilott, this experience broadened his adaptability to different car characteristics and track conditions.

His performances in this championship demonstrated his willingness to seek out competitive opportunities globally. This showed a commitment to continuous improvement that would serve him well in his later career moves to IndyCar and his eventual return to PREMA Racing.

Transition to Formula 1

Callum Ilott’s path to Formula 1 involved key developmental roles and collaborations with fellow drivers who later made it to the top tier of motorsport. His experience with PREMA Racing helped build the foundation for his racing career.

Development Role and Test Driving

Ilott’s journey toward Formula 1 began after his impressive 2017 season with PREMA Powerteam, where he finished fourth in the driver standings. This performance caught the attention of F1 teams, leading to his role as a test driver.

In 2019, Ilott joined the Ferrari Driver Academy, a significant step in his career. This opportunity put him on the radar of Formula 1 teams, giving him access to simulator work and occasional test sessions in F1 machinery.

By 2020, he became the test driver for Alfa Romeo Racing, allowing him to participate in Free Practice sessions during Grand Prix weekends. These sessions gave him valuable experience with F1 cars and working with a full race team.

Collaboration with Charles Leclerc and Robert Shwartzman

Ilott’s time at the Ferrari Driver Academy allowed him to work closely with Charles Leclerc, who had already made the jump to Formula 1. Their relationship provided Ilott with valuable insights into the demands of F1.

Leclerc, having gone through a similar path via the Ferrari program, became something of a mentor figure. The two drivers shared data and training methods, helping Ilott adapt his driving style to suit the requirements of modern F1 cars.

Robert Shwartzman, another PREMA alumni, worked alongside Ilott during their development years. Both drivers pushed each other during testing sessions, creating a competitive environment that helped sharpen their skills for potential F1 opportunities.

Oscar Piastri and Marcus Armstrong Partnerships

Ilott’s career path has intertwined with Oscar Piastri and Marcus Armstrong during crucial developmental years. While at PREMA, Ilott built relationships with these drivers who were also climbing the motorsport ladder.

Piastri, who eventually made it to F1 with McLaren after being a reserve driver, shared testing days with Ilott during their junior careers. Their data comparison helped both drivers improve their technical understanding of car setup and performance optimization.

Armstrong, who raced for PREMA in Formula 3 and Formula 2, crossed paths with Ilott during testing sessions and driver development programs. Their friendly rivalry created a benchmark for performance that elevated both drivers’ abilities.

The connections formed during these years created a network of drivers who understood each other’s strengths and weaknesses, valuable knowledge for any potential future as teammates or competitors in Formula 1.

Callum Ilott’s Career in IndyCar

Callum Ilott has navigated a challenging path in the NTT IndyCar Series, showing flashes of brilliance amid the obstacles of competing with smaller teams and limited resources.

Debut Season with Juncos Hollinger Racing

Ilott made his IndyCar debut in 2021 with Juncos Hollinger Racing, a small team trying to establish itself in the competitive series. His entry wasn’t exactly glamorous – he joined a team that was essentially starting from scratch with limited resources and experience.

Despite these challenges, Ilott showed impressive speed in his rookie campaign. He qualified well on several occasions, demonstrating the raw talent that made him a Formula 2 standout in Europe.

The British driver continued with JHR for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, often extracting performance from the car that seemed beyond its capabilities. His best finish came at the 2022 Laguna Seca race where he qualified in the top 10.

Joining Prema Racing’s IndyCar Efforts

In a surprising career twist, Ilott was confirmed as PREMA Racing’s first driver for their 2025 IndyCar campaign. This reunion is particularly meaningful as Ilott previously raced with PREMA in Formula 2, securing six wins in 30 races.

The move represents a fresh start after Ilott’s unceremonious departure from IndyCar following the 2023 season. PREMA, an established powerhouse in European racing, is building their IndyCar program from the ground up.

Ilott’s experience with both IndyCar and PREMA makes him an ideal candidate to help develop the new team. He brings valuable technical feedback and course knowledge that will be crucial for the team’s debut season.

Performance on Street Courses

Street courses have showcased some of Ilott’s most impressive driving in IndyCar. His technical precision and adaptability shine on these challenging temporary circuits.

Detroit and Toronto have been particularly strong venues for Ilott, where his smooth driving style and precise inputs help manage the bumpy surfaces and tight confines. In qualifying sessions on street courses, he frequently outperformed expectations in the Juncos equipment.

His background in European racing seems to translate well to these technical circuits. While podium finishes eluded him during his JHR stint, his performances on street courses often caught the attention of paddock insiders.

Race engineers have noted Ilott’s exceptional feedback regarding car setup for street circuits, which should prove valuable to PREMA’s development program.

Participation in the Indy 500

The Indianapolis 500 represents the ultimate challenge for any IndyCar driver, and Ilott has embraced the unique demands of the famed oval. His rookie Indy 500 performance showed respect for the event’s traditions and dangers.

Qualifying at Indianapolis was initially challenging for Ilott, as oval racing represents a significant departure from his European racing background. However, his methodical approach to learning the intricacies of the Speedway has shown improvement each year.

The 2023 Indy 500 saw Ilott qualify in the middle of the pack and run a clean, consistent race. While his equipment limitations with JHR prevented a breakthrough result, his race craft and strategic awareness drew positive comments from veterans.

With PREMA’s resources behind him for 2025, expectations for improved Indy 500 performance will be high.

Collaborations with Racing Teams

Callum Ilott has built his IndyCar career through partnerships with several prominent teams, gaining valuable experience before joining PREMA Racing for 2025.

Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing

Ilott’s relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing began as a test driver, where he showcased his technical feedback skills before receiving limited race opportunities. Though not a full-time seat, these experiences with one of IndyCar’s powerhouse teams provided crucial developmental time in professional American open-wheel racing machinery.

The British driver impressed Ganassi’s engineering staff with his precise feedback and adaptability. Working alongside champions like Scott Dixon and Alex Palou gave Ilott invaluable insights into the team’s winning methodology.

Chip Ganassi Racing’s resources allowed Ilott to refine his oval racing techniques–an essential skill set coming from a European road racing background. These foundations proved critical for his later career moves and adaptability to the unique challenges of IndyCar competition.

Alliance with Dale Coyne Racing

Ilott found his first consistent IndyCar home with Dale Coyne Racing. This smaller but technically capable team provided the young driver with his real immersion into the complete IndyCar experience.

With Coyne, Ilott developed his race craft across the varied IndyCar calendar of road courses, street circuits, and ovals. He became known for extracting maximum performance from equipment that wasn’t always at the cutting edge of development.

Notable performances included several impressive qualifying sessions where he outperformed the car’s expected position. The team’s limited resources compared to larger operations taught Ilott valuable lessons in maximizing results with constrained development budgets.

This partnership helped establish Ilott as a respected competitor in the IndyCar paddock despite challenges with consistency and occasional mechanical setbacks.

Arrow McLaren and Chevrolet Engagements

Ilott’s connection with Arrow McLaren came primarily through testing opportunities and technical consultations rather than race seats. These sessions with the Chevrolet-powered squad broadened his understanding of different power unit characteristics and team operational structures.

The Chevrolet technical partnership gave Ilott exposure to alternative power delivery systems compared to his previous drives. This knowledge became particularly valuable in understanding engine mapping and fuel conservation strategies critical to IndyCar success.

McLaren’s data-driven approach complemented Ilott’s analytical driving style. Though brief, these engagements helped round out his technical versatility before moving to PREMA for their 2025 IndyCar debut.

These varied team experiences collectively prepared Ilott for his current role as a veteran driver helping to establish PREMA’s new IndyCar program alongside teammate Robert Shwartzman.

Rivalries and Competitive Landscape

As PREMA Racing enters the 2025 IndyCar season with Callum Ilott, the British driver faces a fierce battlefield of established competitors and rising talents. The dynamics between these drivers will shape one of the most interesting storylines of the upcoming season.

Rivalry with Romain Grosjean

Ilott’s history with Grosjean dates back to their Formula 1 connections, though they never directly competed against each other there. Now in IndyCar, their contrasting styles make for compelling on-track battles.

Grosjean brings aggressive precision honed in F1, while Ilott counters with the technical approach developed during his time with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Their first significant clash came at Long Beach in 2023, when both were fighting for position in the top ten.

An unnamed team principal recently said, “Grosjean races like he’s still in F1 sometimes. Ilott’s more calculating, but don’t mistake that for lack of aggression.”

Driver Comparison	Grosjean	Ilott
IndyCar Wins	1	0
Podiums	6	1
Racing Style	Aggressive	Technical
F1 Experience	179 races	Test driver

Competition with Alex Palou

Perhaps no rivalry will define Ilott’s 2025 campaign more than his competition with two-time champion Alex Palou. The Spaniard’s consistency and race management presents a formidable benchmark for PREMA’s debut season.

Palou’s data-driven approach with Chip Ganassi Racing stands in stark contrast to the European racing philosophy Ilott brings from his PREMA background. Their battles at Indianapolis and Road America in 2024 showed glimpses of what may become a defining rivalry.

“Palou never makes mistakes,” Ilott admitted after a practice session at Barber. “That’s what makes him so damn hard to beat. He’s always there.”

The two share mutual respect off-track, but their different paths to IndyCar—Palou through Japan’s Super Formula, Ilott via European ladder systems—create fascinating strategic differences.

Challenges from Felix Rosenqvist and Ryan Briscoe

Beyond the headline matchups, Ilott faces significant challenges from veteran drivers like Felix Rosenqvist and Ryan Briscoe. Rosenqvist’s recent resurgence with Meyer Shank Racing makes him a particular threat on road courses.

The Swedish driver’s aggressive overtaking style has previously caught Ilott out, most notably at Toronto where their battle for position resulted in contact. Rosenqvist’s European racing background creates similarities in their approaches.

Ryan Briscoe, though less frequently competing in recent seasons, brings championship experience that PREMA will need to overcome as a new team. His technical feedback and experience with developing new cars makes any team he joins immediately competitive.

“People forget how good Briscoe is,” Ilott mentioned during pre-season testing. “His versatility across different tracks is something I’m still working to match.”

Notable Achievements and Records

Callum Ilott has built an impressive racing resume that spans multiple racing series and achievements. His career trajectory shows a pattern of excellence from karting through formula racing and into IndyCar competition.

Being an F1 Driver

Callum Ilott’s path to Formula 1 demonstrates his elite racing pedigree. Though his F1 experience has been limited, he served as a test driver and reserve driver, showing the talent necessary to reach motorsport’s highest level.

In 2023-2024, Ilott gained recognition in the Formula 1 sphere as noted in Prema Racing’s Hall of Fame. This association with F1 came after years of proving himself in the developmental ranks.

His F1 connections weren’t a fluke but rather the culmination of consistent performance in junior formulas. The British driver’s technical feedback and testing capabilities made him valuable to F1 teams looking for development support.

Winning Races Across Different Series

Ilott’s versatility as a driver shines through his winning performances across multiple racing disciplines. During his time with Prema Powerteam, he won six races and secured an additional six podium finishes, contributing significantly to the team’s fifth consecutive Teams’ championship.

His karting career ended on a high note when he won the four-round senior CIK-FIA European Karting Championship along with the German-based karting series, establishing his credentials before moving to cars.

Series	Wins	Podiums	Championships
Formula 3	6	12	Team Champion
Karting	Multiple	Multiple	European Champion
IndyCar	TBD	TBD	Active Career

This winning mentality followed him throughout his career progression, with his tenure at PREMA resulting in six victories across 30 races, ultimately finishing fourth in that championship campaign.

Highlights from the St. Petersburg Circuit

St. Petersburg has been a significant venue in Ilott’s racing journey, particularly as he transitions into IndyCar racing. The technical street circuit presents unique challenges that suit Ilott’s precise driving style.

After joining Prema Racing for the 2025 IndyCar season, Ilott faced the St. Petersburg circuit with renewed confidence. His previous experience at this venue proved valuable as he adapted to his new team environment.

The circuit’s combination of tight corners and short straights plays to Ilott’s strengths in car control and brake modulation. His European racing background translates well to the technical demands of St. Petersburg’s layout.

IndyCar’s competitive field makes strong performances at iconic venues like St. Petersburg particularly noteworthy in a driver’s career progression.

Recognition as a Race Winner

Being acknowledged as a race winner carries significant weight in motorsport, and Ilott has earned this distinction multiple times. His ability to convert pace into victories demonstrates complete racing ability.

Following his part-time role with Arrow McLaren in 2024, including the Indianapolis 500, Ilott secured a full-time ride with Prema Racing for 2025. This career progression reflects the racing community’s recognition of his talents.

His racing acumen and consistency have earned respect throughout the paddock. Teammates and competitors alike acknowledge his racing craft and technical understanding.

The reconciliation with Prema Racing represents a full-circle moment, reuniting him with the team where he previously found success earlier in his career.

Legacy and Influence on Motorsports

Callum Ilott’s career trajectory through prestigious racing programs and his recent move to PREMA Racing for the 2025 IndyCar Series represents a significant chapter in motorsport history. His journey showcases the importance of development pathways and how experienced drivers can shape emerging racing series.

Impacting Future Drivers through the Ferrari Driver Academy

The Ferrari Driver Academy has played a crucial role in Ilott’s development, with his time there setting standards for future talents. As a standout graduate, Ilott demonstrated what dedication and consistent performance can achieve in the competitive racing ladder.

His progression through the FDA ranks offered younger drivers a blueprint for success. Working alongside future F1 talents like Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher, Ilott helped establish the program’s reputation for producing well-rounded racers.

The technical feedback skills he developed at Ferrari have proven invaluable in his racing career. These abilities will likely enhance PREMA’s IndyCar development program as they enter the series in 2025.

Many young drivers now point to Ilott’s methodical approach to car development as a model to follow. His influence extends beyond driving to include the crucial engineering relationships that define modern motorsport.

Influence on the IndyCar Series

Ilott’s return to IndyCar with PREMA Racing marks a significant moment for the series. As their first driver signing, he’ll be instrumental in establishing the team’s operations and culture in American open-wheel racing.

His previous IndyCar experience with smaller teams demonstrated resilience and technical prowess. Despite limited resources, he frequently extracted maximum performance from his machinery, earning respect throughout the paddock.

The 25-year-old Brit brings European racing sensibilities to the American series. This cross-pollination of racing philosophies has historically accelerated development and competition in IndyCar.

PREMA’s decision to build their 2025 program around Ilott speaks volumes about his perceived value. His technical background and proven adaptability make him the perfect foundation for a new team entry.

Legacy at the Macau Grand Prix

The Macau Grand Prix stands as one of motorsport’s most demanding street circuits, and Ilott’s performances there remain part of his racing legacy. His aggressive yet controlled approach to the circuit’s notorious Mountain section showcased his exceptional car control.

Competing against future Formula 1 stars at Macau established Ilott as a driver who thrives under pressure. The experience gained in those high-stakes races continues to influence his race craft in American open-wheel competition.

His podium finishes at Macau demonstrated his ability to excel on temporary circuits. This skill directly translates to IndyCar’s diverse calendar that features numerous street courses requiring similar precision and courage.

The Macau experience shaped Ilott’s approach to qualifying—often prioritizing track position over race setup. This strategy has proven effective on IndyCar’s tighter circuits where overtaking can be challenging.

Current Projects and Future Prospects

Callum Ilott’s partnership with PREMA Racing marks a pivotal shift in his racing career. His move to the Italian team for the 2025 IndyCar Series opens new doors while building on their past successful collaborations.

Collaborations with Upcoming Racing Talents

PREMA Racing has always excelled at nurturing young talent, and Ilott’s addition creates exciting developmental opportunities. As a veteran driver with Formula 2 experience, Ilott brings valuable insights to the team’s emerging drivers.

The team’s structure encourages knowledge sharing between drivers. Ilott will work alongside Robert Shwartzman, creating a powerful driver pairing for PREMA’s IndyCar debut.

This mentor-mentee dynamic benefits everyone involved. Younger drivers gain experience from Ilott’s career journey, while Ilott reinforces his technical understanding through teaching.

PREMA’s proven driver development program has launched numerous successful careers. Their methodical approach to driver coaching combined with Ilott’s expertise creates a powerful environment for talent growth.

Plans for the Upcoming IndyCar Season

PREMA’s 2025 IndyCar entry is their most ambitious motorsport expansion yet. They’ve secured Callum Ilott as their lead driver. This brings continuity and experience to this new venture.

The team is taking a measured approach to their debut season. As Ilott himself noted, “We’re going to have to be patient” regarding expectations for immediate results.

Ilott brings valuable IndyCar experience from his previous teams. His familiarity with American circuits and the unique demands of IndyCar racing will help PREMA’s transition.

The Italian connection runs deep in this partnership. Ilott humorously summarized the team as “It’s Italian. Pasta (and) pizza” – highlighting the cultural fit that makes this partnership particularly promising.

2025 PREMA IndyCar Details	Information
Confirmed Drivers	Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman
Team Base	Italy
Previous Collaboration	Formula 2
Season Start	March 2025

Potential Return to Formula 1

While focused on IndyCar success, Ilott hasn’t completely closed the door on Formula 1. His PREMA connection keeps him within the European racing ecosystem despite competing in America.

Many drivers have used IndyCar success as a pathway back to F1. Ilott’s career trajectory suggests he could follow this route if he delivers standout performances with PREMA.

Industry experts believe Ilott never received the F1 chances he deserved. His IndyCar move might finally provide the platform to showcase his talents on a consistent basis.

At 26 years old, Ilott still has time for an F1 return. The growing relationship between F1 and IndyCar has created more crossover opportunities for drivers in recent years.

PREMA’s connections throughout motorsport’s highest levels could facilitate any potential F1 discussions. Their reputation and network span multiple racing disciplines, offering valuable pathways for their drivers.