Ferrari junior Shwartzman joins Haas F1 for Abu Dhabi rookie test
The Haas Formula 1 team has announced Ferrari junior and FIA Formula 2 frontrunner Robert Shwartzman will drive for the team at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test.
The 22-year-old Russian was current Haas driver Mick Schumacher's team-mate at Prema Racing in F2 last season, finishing fourth in the championship with four wins, and is currently third in this year's standings.
The 2019 FIA Formula 3 champion will take the wheel of the current Haas VF-21 at the rookie test, which will take place the week after the season closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
"First of all, I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for this great opportunity," said Shwartzman.
"This will be my first test with Haas and I'm really looking forward to getting to know a new team, environment and also to learn as much as possible from them.
"Having the chance to drive for another F1 team is just incredible and I can't wait to work with everyone."
Saint Petersburg native Shwartzman is no stranger to Formula 1 machinery, having had the opportunity to test a Ferrari F1 car at Fiorano last year as part of his Ferrari Driver Academy programme.
He also took part in the Abu Dhabi rookie test last year at the wheel of the 2020 Ferrari.
Robert Shwartzmann, Ferrari SF1000
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
"We're looking forward to testing with Robert at Yas Marina in December," added Haas team principal Gunther Steiner.
"He's obviously highly rated by Ferrari – having been part of their driver program since the end of 2017.
"His ability is clearly in evidence when you look at his performances over the last few seasons – most notably his rookie campaign in Formula 2 last year – competing against the likes of our own two drivers Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.
"We are pleased to be able to give Robert an outing in a Formula 1 car and we look forward to working with him in Abu Dhabi."
The single day rookie test will be run in conjunction with a two-day 18-inch Pirelli tyre test for the teams' regular race drivers.
Earlier Aston Martin announced its simulator driver Nick Yelloly would get a test run at Abu Dhabi, while Alfa Romeo is hopeful its Mercedes recruit Valtteri Bottas will be released for the test to kick-start his stint with the Swiss team.
Share Or Save This Story
What has changed as FOM and FIA appear more aligned on F1's future?
Domenicali: F1 'needs to decide' on the next engine regulations this year
Racing Bulls suggest "continuous" roll-out of F1 2026 regulation tweaks
Why Prema can shock the establishment and translate its European success into IndyCar
Shwartzman makes IndyCar switch with Prema for 2025
Kubica set to return with customer Ferrari Hypercar in 2025 WEC
Bearman blames Colapinto for "unacceptable" crash at Suzuka
How every F1 2026 team has performed so far
How Bearman is already securing his Ferrari F1 future
What has changed as FOM and FIA appear more aligned on F1's future?
Ex-F1 race director Wittich defends Masi's decision-making at 2021 Abu Dhabi GP
Bearman blames Colapinto for "unacceptable" crash at Suzuka
Hakkinen vs Schumacher: Macau 1990 watchalong with Anthony Davidson
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments