Callum Ilott, PREMA Racing Secures Impressive Podium Finish in Latest Formula 2 Round
Callum Ilott is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his racing career as he joins PREMA Racing for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 26-year-old British driver from Cambridge will be a key part of PREMA’s brand-new IndyCar operation, marking an important milestone for both the driver and the Italian team. Ilott’s move represents a fresh start with a familiar organization, potentially positioning him as a dark horse contender in America’s premier open-wheel racing championship.
This partnership has strong foundations, as Ilott already knows what to expect from the Italian outfit. When discussing his new team, he playfully noted it’s “Italian” with “pasta and pizza” being part of the experience, showing his comfort with PREMA’s distinctive culture.
Born on November 11, 1998, Ilott began his karting career at just 7 years old and has steadily climbed the motorsport ladder. His previous IndyCar experience combined with PREMA’s proven success in other racing categories could make for a formidable combination on the Indianapolis oval come May 2025.
Biography of Callum Ilott
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Callum Ilott has built a racing career marked by persistence and technical skill, moving from European open-wheel racing to America’s premier motorsport series with a new opportunity at Prema Racing.
Early Career and Background
Born in Cambridge, England in 1998, Callum Ilott began karting at just seven years old, showing early promise that would carry him through the racing ranks. His natural speed and racecraft eventually earned him a coveted spot in the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy, providing the young Brit with crucial development support during his formative years.
Ilott’s European racing journey included impressive performances in various feeder series, culminating in a standout 2020 season where he finished second in the FIA Formula 2 championship with three wins and five additional podiums. This remarkable showing put him on the radar of teams across multiple racing disciplines.
Despite his F2 success, the crowded Formula 1 grid left Ilott without a seat, forcing him to consider alternative paths to showcase his considerable talents.
Transition to IndyCar
Ilott made his IndyCar debut with Juncos Hollinger Racing, a smaller team that allowed him to demonstrate his abilities against experienced competition. His technical feedback and adaptability to the physically demanding IndyCar machines impressed paddock observers despite equipment limitations.
After a partial 2024 season that included two races with Arrow McLaren, including the Indianapolis 500, Ilott secured a full-time return to the series with newcomer Prema Racing for 2025. This partnership represents a significant opportunity, as Prema brings its championship-winning European pedigree to IndyCar.
At 26, Ilott now faces his best chance to showcase his talents. With Prema’s technical expertise and his experience on American circuits, Ilott has moderate Indy 500 potential for 2025—the team’s rookie status balances against their engineering excellence and Ilott’s growing oval prowess.
Prema Racing Team Profile
Prema Racing has entered the IndyCar Series with determination and impressive technical expertise. The Italian powerhouse brings decades of racing success to their partnership with Callum Ilott, backed by Chevrolet power.
Team History and Achievements
Founded in 1983 by Angelo Rosin, Prema has dominated junior formulas for decades. The team has claimed multiple championships in Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula 4 – serving as the launching pad for several Formula 1 stars including Charles Leclerc.
Their trophy cabinet bulges with over 100 driver and team titles across various categories. Prema’s methodical approach to car setup and driver development has made them the team to beat in feeder series competition.
The move to IndyCar represents their most ambitious leap yet. Their engineering expertise in maximizing car performance within tight regulations should translate well to the competitive IndyCar environment.
Partnership with Chevrolet
Prema’s alliance with Chevrolet provides them with the 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that’s proven its mettle on ovals and road courses alike. This powerplant delivers approximately 700 horsepower in race trim.
The technical integration between Prema’s chassis expertise and Chevrolet’s power unit shows promise. Early testing revealed competitive lap times, though reliability remains the question mark typical of new partnerships.
For the Indianapolis 500, Prema-Chevrolet appears mid-pack in potential. Their oval experience is limited, but their methodical approach to setup optimization could yield surprising results. Expect qualifying in rows 5-7, with finishing potential dependent on race strategy and Ilott’s oval adaptation.
Indycar Racing Overview
Callum Ilott’s entry into the PREMA Racing team marks a significant milestone for both the driver and the renowned organization as they prepare to tackle the challenging world of Indycar racing. The 2025 season will see several critical developments across the series with new teams, evolving regulations, and fierce competition.
2025 Season Insights
The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES welcomes PREMA Racing as a major new entrant, with the Italian powerhouse making its much-anticipated debut. Callum Ilott, now 26, brings valuable experience to the team as he partners with rookie Robert Shwartzman.
PREMA has invested heavily in their Indycar program, establishing a state-of-the-art headquarters that impressed even veteran Ilott during its construction phase. This operation demonstrates their serious commitment to American open-wheel racing.
The season kicks off at St. Petersburg, with the schedule featuring a mix of street circuits, road courses, and ovals. The addition of Thermal Club as a points-paying event adds a new dimension to the championship battle, while the return to Milwaukee provides a nostalgic nod to Indycar’s rich history.
Important Races
The Indianapolis 500 remains the crown jewel of the calendar, with teams and drivers focusing significant resources on this legendary event. For PREMA and Ilott, a strong showing at the Brickyard would immediately establish their credentials in the series.
Potential Indy 500 Prospects
| Driver | Team | Experience | Victory Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callum Ilott | PREMA Racing | Limited oval experience | Medium |
| Robert Shwartzman | PREMA Racing | Rookie, F3 champion | Low-Medium |
St. Petersburg opens the season and will provide the first real test of PREMA’s competitiveness. As a street circuit, it demands precision and adaptability – areas where Ilott has shown strength.
The Nashville event continues to grow in popularity and importance, becoming a signature race with its challenging layout that crosses the Cumberland River. This unique street circuit could suit Ilott’s precision driving style.
Notable Competitors
Arrow McLaren represents one of the stiffest challenges for PREMA and Ilott in 2025. The team has continued its aggressive growth trajectory and maintains championship aspirations.
Romain Grosjean enters 2025 with renewed determination after several seasons of adaptation to Indycar racing. His Formula 1 background parallels Ilott’s experience, making their on-track battles particularly intriguing.
Ryan Briscoe makes a surprising return to the series with a competitive team, bringing years of experience and success at the Indianapolis 500. His oval racing expertise could prove particularly valuable as a benchmark for Ilott’s development on American speedways.
Robert Shwartzman joins Ilott at PREMA, creating an intriguing dynamic. As the 2019 Formula 3 champion, Shwartzman brings impressive credentials but faces the steep learning curve of Indycar competition.
Career Highlights
Callum Ilott has established himself as a rising star in American open-wheel racing. His journey with PREMA Racing represents a significant chapter in his career development, building on his strong foundation in European racing series.
Key Victories and Podiums
Ilott’s racing record showcases his exceptional talent across multiple disciplines. Before joining the IndyCar Series, he demonstrated his prowess by finishing as vice-champion in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 championship, securing three wins and five podiums that season.
His transition to IndyCar has been marked by steady growth. With 38 IndyCar starts under his belt since 2021, Ilott has been building experience on the challenging American circuits.
The British driver recently celebrated success in the FIA World Endurance Championship, claiming his first WEC victory in 2024. This win demonstrates his versatility across racing platforms.
His reunion with PREMA Racing for IndyCar feels like a homecoming, potentially unlocking the next level of his performance in the series.
Challenges and Obstacles
Ilott’s path hasn’t been without hurdles. His transition from European-style racing to IndyCar’s unique demands required significant adaptation, particularly to oval racing formats that weren’t part of his development years.
As a Ferrari Driver Academy graduate, expectations have always been high for Ilott. The pressure to deliver results while learning the intricacies of a new racing series created a steep learning curve.
The competition in IndyCar is notoriously fierce, with a mix of experienced veterans and talented younger drivers. Establishing himself against this backdrop has required both patience and persistence.
For the 2025 Indianapolis 500, Ilott shows promising potential. PREMA’s technical resources combined with his growing oval experience could make him a dark horse candidate. While a win might be ambitious, a top-10 finish appears within reach if the team optimizes their setup for the Brickyard’s unique challenges.
Off-track Endeavors
Beyond his upcoming role with PREMA Racing in the 2025 IndyCar Series, Callum Ilott has maintained a diverse portfolio of racing commitments that showcase his versatility and dedication to motorsport.
Role as Reserve Driver
Ilott has built valuable experience serving as a reserve driver in Formula 1, a position that keeps him connected to the pinnacle of motorsport. This role has allowed him to develop his technical feedback skills while working with top-tier racing organizations.
During his time as a reserve driver, Ilott has participated in testing sessions and simulator work.
The British driver has followed a similar career path to other notable drivers like Oscar Piastri, who used reserve driver roles as stepping stones to full-time race seats. Ilott’s experience in this capacity has given him a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics and setup adjustments.
Involvement in Other Racing Series
Ilott has kept busy with participation in multiple racing disciplines outside of his primary commitments. He has competed in endurance racing, including events in the World Endurance Championship. This demonstrates his adaptability to different racing formats and team structures.
Similar to his future PREMA teammate Robert Shwartzman, Ilott has embraced opportunities in sports car racing. He has tested his skills in IMSA events, gaining experience with different vehicle types and racing strategies. These require a different approach than open-wheel competition.
These diverse racing experiences have broadened Ilott’s skill set, particularly in traffic management and fuel conservation. For the 2025 Indy 500, his endurance racing background could prove beneficial. This gives him approximately a 50-50 chance as a rookie with PREMA, though establishing consistent team operations will be their first hurdle.
Future Prospects and Expectations
Callum Ilott’s move to PREMA Racing for the 2025 IndyCar Series represents a pivotal moment in his career, blending familiarity with fresh opportunity. His partnership with this Italian powerhouse team opens multiple pathways for his racing future.
Potential Formula 1 Involvement
Despite his current IndyCar focus, Ilott’s Formula 1 dreams remain within reach. As a former Ferrari Driver Academy member, he maintains valuable connections in the F1 paddock. These relationships could prove crucial if PREMA decides to expand beyond IndyCar.
PREMA’s extensive experience developing young talent, including Charles Leclerc, positions them as a potential bridge back to F1 for Ilott. However, Ilott has stated there’s “not really any pressure” on immediate results, suggesting a longer-term vision.
His technical feedback abilities and experience with European racing operations make him an ideal development driver should PREMA explore F1 opportunities.
Long-term Goals in Racing
Ilott’s immediate priority is establishing PREMA as an IndyCar contender. He “was that guy” for Juncos Hollinger previously and brings similar leadership to PREMA.
The Indianapolis 500 represents Ilott’s most prestigious target. His chances at the 2025 Indy 500 appear moderate. PREMA’s Italian engineering approach, described by Ilott as “pasta and pizza,” brings fresh methodology but faces a steep learning curve on ovals.
Ilott’s 2025 Indy 500 Prospects:
| Strength | Challenge |
|---|---|
| Technical feedback | Limited oval experience |
| European precision | New team integration |
| Motivation to prove himself | Established competitors |
PREMA’s long-term IndyCar commitment will likely revolve around Ilott’s development as their flagship driver through at least 2027.
