Robert Shwartzman PREMA Racing Secures Impressive Win at Imola Grand Prix
Robert Shwartzman is making waves in the 2025 IndyCar season with PREMA Racing, bringing fresh energy to the team’s debut campaign. The Russian-Israeli driver, born on September 16, 1999, has returned to the PREMA family where he previously raced from 2018 to 2021, culminating in an F3 Championship before moving on to become an F1 reserve driver.
Shwartzman’s transition to IndyCar marks a significant career evolution for the talented wheelman. He now pilots the No. 83 Chevrolet for PREMA Racing as they expand their racing portfolio beyond their European roots. His prior success with the Italian outfit makes this reunion particularly noteworthy for motorsport enthusiasts following the 2025 season.
The partnership represents a homecoming of sorts, with Shwartzman’s impressive social media following of over 1.6 million fans now tracking his American open-wheel adventure. For PREMA, securing a driver with Shwartzman’s pedigree demonstrates their serious commitment to making an immediate impact in the highly competitive IndyCar Series.
Robert Shwartzman’s Biography
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Robert Shwartzman has established himself as one of motorsport’s most talented drivers, building an impressive career from humble beginnings to becoming a formidable presence in high-level racing. His journey through the racing ranks showcases both technical skill and mental fortitude.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born September 16, 1999, Robert Shwartzman began his racing career remarkably early at just five years old. The Russian-born driver showed natural talent from the beginning, quickly progressing through karting competitions where he honed his fundamental skills.
His family made significant sacrifices to support his racing dreams, a common theme among professional drivers. By his early teens, Shwartzman had already caught the attention of talent scouts in European racing circles.
The transition from karts to single-seaters came in his mid-teens, where he immediately showed adaptability and raw speed. These early formative years shaped his driving style—precise, calculated, yet aggressive when necessary.
Rise Through the Ranks in Formula 3
Shwartzman’s career took a decisive turn when he joined PREMA Racing in 2018, marking the beginning of a productive partnership. His Formula 3 campaign proved to be nothing short of spectacular, culminating in the championship title.
The 2019 season particularly showcased his remarkable consistency and race craft. Shwartzman demonstrated exceptional tire management and overtaking abilities, essential skills that would serve him well in higher categories.
What set him apart was his ability to perform under pressure, often delivering his best performances during the most challenging race weekends. His championship victory wasn’t just about raw speed—it demonstrated his complete package as a driver.
Shwartzman’s F3 Championship Season:
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Wins | 3 |
| Podiums | 10 |
| Points | 212 |
| Championship Position | 1st |
Success in Formula 2 with Prema
Following his F3 triumph, Shwartzman graduated to Formula 2 in 2020, again with PREMA Racing. His rookie season was impressive, claiming multiple race victories despite the intensely competitive field. He partnered with Mick Schumacher, creating one of the strongest driver pairings on the grid.
His sophomore F2 campaign further cemented his reputation. What’s remarkable about Shwartzman’s driving style is his ability to conserve tires while maintaining competitive pace—a skill essential in F2’s high-degradation environment.
Throughout his F2 tenure, Shwartzman consistently delivered in both sprint and feature races, demonstrating versatility across different race formats and strategies. His time in F2 showcased not just speed but exceptional race management.
Israeli Driver’s Identity
While born in Russia, Shwartzman holds dual nationality and now races under the Israeli flag. This identity shift represents an important chapter in his personal and professional life.
The decision to compete as an Israeli driver opened new opportunities while highlighting his connection to his heritage. This move has made him a pioneering figure in Israeli motorsport, bringing attention to racing in a country without a deep racing tradition.
Off the track, Shwartzman has embraced his unique cultural background. He’s even explored creative outlets beyond racing, including recording hip-hop music that reflects his passion for motorsport.
Now competing in IndyCar with PREMA Racing in 2025, Shwartzman continues building his legacy as one of racing’s most versatile and talented drivers.
Prema Racing Overview
Prema Racing stands as one of motorsport’s most successful development teams, building a remarkable legacy across junior formulas before making their IndyCar debut in 2025. Their partnership with Robert Shwartzman represents the culmination of their long-standing development relationship.
Foundation of Prema Racing
Prema Racing began its journey in 1983 when Angelo Rosin and Giorgio Piccolo established the team in Italy. Based in Grisignano di Zocco, the organization initially focused on Formula 3 competition where they quickly demonstrated their prowess in developing young talent.
The team’s philosophy has always centered on technical excellence combined with driver development. This approach helped Prema become the go-to team for promising young racers aiming for Formula 1.
By the early 2000s, Prema had established themselves as a powerhouse in European racing. Their distinctive red and white livery became synonymous with success in junior formulas.
The team expanded their operations methodically, entering additional categories like Formula 4 and Formula Regional European Championship while maintaining their core values of precision engineering and talent cultivation.
Prema’s Success in Junior Formulas
Prema Racing has dominated junior formulas with an impressive championship record. Their Formula 3 success includes multiple team and driver titles, with Shwartzman himself claiming the 2019 FIA Formula 3 championship with them.
The team’s driver development program has propelled numerous talents to Formula 1, including Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon. Their systematic approach to nurturing drivers combines technical training with mental preparation.
| Prema Racing Championships |
|---|
| Formula 3: 8 team titles |
| Formula 2: 3 team titles |
| Formula 4: 7 titles |
Prema’s technical expertise is evident in their meticulous car preparation. They’ve consistently extracted maximum performance from standardized equipment in spec series, highlighting their engineering prowess.
Their expansion to IndyCar in 2025 marks a significant step, pairing Shwartzman with veteran Callum Ilott and establishing a state-of-the-art facility to support their American racing program while maintaining their European operations.
Schwartzman’s Role at Ferrari
Robert Shwartzman has maintained a significant relationship with Ferrari since 2022, contributing to both their Formula 1 efforts and endurance racing programs. His technical feedback and development skills have made him a valuable asset to the Italian manufacturer.
As Scuderia Ferrari Reserve Driver
In 2022, Shwartzman took on an important role when he was appointed as a test driver by Scuderia Ferrari. This position came after his impressive performances in Formula 2, where he had demonstrated both speed and consistency.
As a reserve driver, Shwartzman participated in several Formula One testing sessions and made free practice appearances with the team. These opportunities allowed him to gain valuable experience with F1 machinery while helping Ferrari develop their car.
His testing duties included providing feedback on aerodynamic upgrades, tire performance, and setup changes. Engineers at Ferrari valued his precise technical analysis and ability to communicate subtle handling characteristics.
Despite not securing a race seat in Formula 1, Shwartzman continued his development work with Ferrari through 2023 and into 2024, maintaining his skills in high-performance vehicles.
Collaborations with AF Corse
Beyond his Formula 1 duties, Shwartzman expanded his Ferrari relationship through collaborations with AF Corse, Ferrari’s factory-backed GT and endurance racing team. This partnership allowed him to develop versatility across different racing disciplines.
In the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Shwartzman contributed to AF Corse’s GT program. His adaptability proved impressive as he transitioned between open-wheel and sports car racing formats.
Working alongside experienced endurance racers, Shwartzman quickly adapted to the unique challenges of long-distance racing, including night driving, managing traffic, and conserving equipment over race distances.
His performance in endurance events demonstrated his ability to maintain consistency while managing complex race strategies and changing weather conditions.
Development Contributions to the Ferrari 499P
Shwartzman played a role in the development of Ferrari’s 499P Hypercar, the manufacturer’s flagship endurance racing vehicle. His feedback helped engineers refine the car’s performance characteristics across various track conditions.
During testing sessions, he provided valuable input on the 499P’s hybrid powertrain optimization, helping to balance power delivery with energy management – crucial factors in endurance competition. His experience with Ferrari’s simulator also proved beneficial in correlating virtual testing with real-world performance.
The 499P program represented Ferrari’s return to top-level prototype racing, making Shwartzman’s contributions particularly significant for the historic Italian marque.
His ability to work effectively with both engineering teams and fellow drivers strengthened the overall development program and helped accelerate the 499P’s competitive timeline.
Transition to Endurance Racing
After his single-seater career, Robert Shwartzman expanded his racing portfolio by venturing into endurance racing, marking a significant shift in his competitive journey. His experience with PREMA in junior categories set the stage for continued collaboration in this new challenge.
Ventures in the World Endurance Championship
Shwartzman’s entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) came as a natural progression in his racing career. The Russian driver joined the prestigious series, competing in the highly competitive LMP2 class—a proving ground for many racers looking to make their mark in endurance racing.
In the 2023 WEC season, Shwartzman showcased his adaptability by quickly adjusting to the unique demands of endurance racing: sharing a car with teammates, managing tire wear, and racing through changing conditions for hours on end.
His technical feedback, honed during his Formula 2 days with PREMA, proved invaluable in developing the team’s endurance racing platform. Shwartzman demonstrated remarkable consistency during his stints, often matching the pace of more experienced endurance specialists.
Racing the #63 entry, he balanced aggression with the mechanical sympathy required in endurance events—a difficult skill many single-seater drivers struggle to master when transitioning to this format.
Performance in the Lone Star Le Mans
The Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas provided Shwartzman with one of his most memorable endurance racing outings. The challenging Texas heat and the technical layout of COTA put his adaptability to the ultimate test.
Shwartzman’s performance during the event demonstrated his growing comfort with multi-class racing—a fundamental aspect of endurance competitions. He navigated traffic masterfully while maintaining competitive lap times throughout his stints.
His night driving skills particularly impressed observers, as he maintained a consistent pace during the darkest hours. Many newcomers to endurance racing typically struggle at this time.
The results at Lone Star bolstered his credentials as a versatile driver capable of succeeding across racing disciplines. This set the stage for his eventual move to IndyCar with PREMA Racing for the 2025 season.
This Texas performance caught the attention of other endurance teams, establishing Shwartzman as more than just a single-seater specialist. He was now seen as a well-rounded racing driver with potential in multiple disciplines.
Involvement in IndyCar Series
Robert Shwartzman’s journey into the IndyCar Series marks a significant shift in his racing career after his time in Formula categories. The Russian-Israeli driver joined PREMA Racing’s two-car NTT IndyCar Series lineup alongside Callum Ilott for the 2025 season.
Debut and Adaptation to IndyCar
Shwartzman’s IndyCar debut hasn’t been without challenges. At The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix, he faced significant hurdles when he didn’t complete a single practice lap before qualifying 27th. This baptism by fire demonstrated the steep learning curve for drivers transitioning from formula racing to IndyCar.
His team encountered early controversy when the No. 83 PREMA entry was docked 10 entrant points and fined $25,000 following an investigation into practice incidents. Despite these setbacks, Shwartzman has shown resilience.
The 25-year-old has been vocal about his appreciation for the series, reportedly calling IndyCar “the best series” and highlighting what he sees as disadvantages in Formula 1 for racing drivers.
Collaborations with Chevrolet
PREMA Racing’s partnership with Chevrolet provides Shwartzman with the American manufacturer’s power unit for his IndyCar campaign. He pilots the No. 83 Chevrolet under the PREMA banner, marking a new chapter for both the driver and the Italian racing team.
This collaboration represents Chevrolet’s commitment to supporting new entrants in the IndyCar Series. The manufacturer’s extensive experience in American open-wheel racing offers valuable support to Shwartzman as he develops his oval racing skills—a discipline entirely new to his racing repertoire.
The partnership aims to develop competitive package combinations suited to Shwartzman’s driving style while navigating the varied circuit types on the IndyCar calendar, from street circuits to superspeedways.
Notable Teammates and Competitors
Throughout his racing career, Robert Shwartzman has shared garages and battled on track with some of motorsport’s most talented drivers. These relationships have shaped his development as a racer and created some memorable moments in various championships.
Partnership with Guanyu Zhou and Callum Ilott
Shwartzman’s time in Formula 2 put him alongside some serious talent. He competed against Guanyu Zhou during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, with both drivers showing impressive pace. Zhou, now in Formula 1 with Kick Sauber, displayed excellent race craft that pushed Shwartzman to elevate his game.
The Russian-Israeli driver also had a competitive relationship with Callum Ilott, who is now set to be his teammate at Prema Racing in their upcoming venture. Ilott’s technical feedback and qualifying pace were standout qualities that complemented Shwartzman’s race management skills.
| Driver | Championships Together | Notable Results | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guanyu Zhou | F2 (2020-2021) | Multiple podium battles | F1 driver (Sauber) |
| Callum Ilott | F2 (2020), Prema (2025) | F2 runner-up (2020) | Prema Racing (2025) |
Their overlapping careers have created a foundation of mutual respect that should serve them well in future competitions.
Rivalry with Charles Leclerc
The relationship between Shwartzman and Charles Leclerc has been particularly fascinating. Though they never raced as teammates in the same year, both came through the Ferrari Driver Academy and Prema Racing pipeline.
Leclerc’s success at Prema set a high bar that Shwartzman had to measure himself against. Their paths would cross during Ferrari testing sessions, with both drivers providing valuable feedback to the Scuderia’s engineering team.
On track, their driving styles contrast nicely – Leclerc known for his qualifying brilliance, while Shwartzman built a reputation for race pace and tire management. This created an interesting dynamic when comparing their development trajectories.
The Ferrari connection continues to link their careers, though Leclerc has established himself as a front-running F1 driver while Shwartzman now makes his mark in IndyCar with Prema.
Cooperation with Robert Kubica
Perhaps one of the more unexpected relationships in Shwartzman’s career has been his work with Robert Kubica. The Polish veteran has served as something of a mentor figure during testing sessions they shared.
Kubica’s experience across multiple racing disciplines provided Shwartzman with invaluable insights, particularly in developing technical understanding and race craft. Despite their different backgrounds, they formed a productive working relationship.
Their cooperation was most evident during shared testing duties for various teams. Kubica’s comeback story from his rallying accident inspired many younger drivers including Shwartzman.
The age gap between them created a natural mentor-student dynamic, with Kubica offering perspective on career management and technical feedback that helped shape Shwartzman’s approach to racing.
Shwartzman’s Impact on Motorsport Culture
Robert Shwartzman has carved out a significant place in motorsport despite his young age, influencing the next generation while making valuable contributions to team development programs.
Influence on New Drivers
Shwartzman’s path through the racing ranks serves as a blueprint for aspiring drivers. His resilience after the tragic loss of his father during his 2020 Formula 2 campaign shows remarkable mental strength that younger competitors study.
The Russian-Israeli driver’s technical feedback, particularly during his transition to IndyCar, demonstrates the importance of adaptability. After completing 168 laps in his first oval test at Nashville Superspeedway, engineers praised his methodical approach.
Young drivers frequently cite Shwartzman’s data-driven methodology. His simulator work translates effectively to real-world performance, a skill increasingly vital in modern motorsport.
His approach balances aggression with consistency—a rare combination that racing academies now emphasize in their training programs.
Contribution to Sauber’s Development
Shwartzman’s testing role with Sauber proved invaluable to the team’s technical progress. His feedback helped refine aerodynamic packages during critical development phases in 2023-2024.
Engineers credit his precise input for several breakthrough performance gains in Sauber’s power delivery systems. His ability to communicate subtle handling characteristics allowed the team to make targeted improvements.
The partnership between Shwartzman and Sauber exemplifies how test drivers can accelerate development cycles. His experience now transfers to PREMA’s IndyCar program, where he applies similar technical rigor.
Despite a challenging start with PREMA IndyCar when his car caught fire during the Thermal race weekend, Shwartzman’s calm technical analysis helped the team identify and resolve fundamental issues quickly.
Challenges and Achievements
Robert Shwartzman’s journey in motorsport reveals a pattern of resilience and accomplishment. His career trajectory shows both significant hurdles and impressive victories that have shaped his development as a driver.
Overcoming Adversity in Career
Shwartzman’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. In 2023, despite his talent, he found himself without a full-time race seat, instead serving as Ferrari’s reserve driver. This career limbo might have derailed others, but Shwartzman kept focused.
His recent INDYCAR debut with PREMA Racing presented another challenge when he didn’t complete a single practice lap before qualifying. Despite this significant setback, he still managed to secure the 27th position at The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix—demonstrating remarkable adaptability under pressure.
The Russian-Israeli driver has also navigated complex political situations affecting his career options, requiring him to compete under different flags at various points. This shows mental toughness beyond his years.
Major Career Milestones
Shwartzman’s trophy cabinet tells the story of a driver who consistently delivers results.
After taking third place in both Formula 4 and Formula Renault, he joined PREMA Racing in 2018. Immediately, he claimed third in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship as the top rookie.
His Formula 2 record stands out particularly. He has outperformed drivers like Zhou Guanyu and Felipe Drugovich across multiple seasons. In his F2 rookie season, he secured 4 wins and finished fourth overall.
Most recently, Shwartzman has impressed in INDYCAR testing. He kept pace with established teams despite PREMA being new to the series. His 2025 signing with PREMA for their INDYCAR program marks a pivotal milestone as both driver and team embark on this ambitious new chapter.
