Seven years is a long time to spend in a Formula 1 driver academy without ever getting the chance to drive full-time in the sport.
Despite some stellar form in Formula 2, including being the runner-up in his second season, Robert Shwartzman never received a look-in for a graduation.
You would’ve thought that Ferrari’s partnerships with both Haas and Sauber would come in handy, and they did with the latter for the sake of a few tests.
But the Russian never received the opportunities that his talents deserved, and now he has moved on to a new challenge for 2025.
Robert Shwartzman will ‘always be grateful’ for Ferrari
After dipping his toes in WEC this year, Shwartzman has opted to return to single-seater racing for the foreseeable future with a familiar name.
He will return to his ex-Formula 2 team PREMA, to compete in IndyCar during their first season in the series from 2025.
Partnering with former championship rival Callum Ilott, the two will be tasked with leading the new operation to success.
In his farewell message to Ferrari, he thanked them for the opportunity they have provided to him and remembered how special it has been to work with them.
Driving for @ScuderiaFerrari has been one of the best experiences in my life! I’ll never forget the feeling of driving a Scuderia Ferrari F1 car for the first time,” he said.
“I’ll always be grateful for every single lap, every experience and it has been such a privilege to work with some of the most talented and bright people in racing.
“I know my time with the Team has shaped me into a better driver and I’m ready to carry all the memories with me into my next adventure.”
Why leaving Ferrari is a huge step
At the age of 25, Shwartzman’s days in a driver ‘academy’ were always going to be numbered, but it was about finding the right opportunity to move on with.
He expected ‘more fun’, but finished ninth with Ferrari in WEC this season, but that may have been where he discovered that he actually prefers single-seaters still.
Expectations are low for PREMA’s first few seasons in IndyCar as they work to get up to speed in the series, especially with two relatively fresh drivers.
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Thankfully, Ilott does have some prior experience, which will be valuable to them in developing and setting up their car.
But don’t expect them to be competing for podiums or wins straight away, as much like with anything new, it takes time to wear in.