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Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman has officially announced his decision to end his association with the team, coinciding with the anticipated arrival of Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Shwartzman, a former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, was released from the program in 2023 but retained his role as Ferrari’s reserve driver. During the 2024 F1 season, he took part in practice sessions for Sauber, a Ferrari customer team, at the Dutch and Mexican Grands Prix. Despite his continued presence within Ferrari’s operations, the Russian driver has now confirmed his departure as he sets his sights on a new challenge.
Earlier this month, Shwartzman revealed that he would join the US-based IndyCar Series for the 2025 season, signing with Prema Racing, a team entering the series as a newcomer. The 25-year-old sees this as an opportunity to advance his career after showcasing his talent across various motorsport platforms, including his representation of Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) this year.
Shwartzman expressed gratitude for his time at Ferrari, stating that his experience with the iconic team had been instrumental in shaping his skills as a driver. However, he also emphasized the importance of moving forward in his career and seizing opportunities that align with his ambitions. His switch to IndyCar marks a significant step away from the F1 paddock and toward a new frontier in motorsport.
The timing of Shwartzman’s departure aligns with a period of transition for Ferrari, as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is set to join the team in 2025. Hamilton’s arrival could bring substantial changes to Ferrari’s driver lineup and team dynamics. Speculation is already swirling about Guanyu Zhou potentially stepping into the reserve driver role vacated by Shwartzman. Zhou, currently racing for Alfa Romeo, has been linked to a reserve position with Ferrari due to his ties to the Sauber-operated team and Ferrari’s customer relationship with Alfa Romeo.
Shwartzman’s move highlights the competitive nature of securing opportunities in Formula 1, especially amid significant team reshuffles. While his journey with Ferrari comes to an end, his new venture in IndyCar offers an exciting chapter in his motorsport career. Meanwhile, Ferrari looks ahead to its 2025 campaign with Hamilton and possible structural adjustments within the team.
