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Shwartzman confirms Ferrari exit ahead of IndyCar debut

Ferrari F1 reserve driver Robert Shwartzman has confirmed that he will part ways with the Scuderia at the end of the 2024 season as he pursues a new challenge in the IndyCar Series with Prema Racing.

The Israeli Russian driver’s exit from Maranello will mark the end of a chapter with the Italian outfit that started in 2017 when Shwartzman joined the Ferrari Driver Academy.

The 25-year-old, who has been a fixture at Ferrari in various roles, from his reserve role with the Scuderia to his duties with the manufacturer and its affiliated AF Corse team in the World Endurance Championship, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the time spent with the legendary F1 team.

“Driving for Scuderia Ferrari has been one of the best experiences in my life!” Shwartzman wrote in a post on social media.

“I’ll never forget the feeling of driving a Scuderia Ferrari F1 car for the first time, 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.

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“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.

“Grazie mille to all the tifosi who have always been so supportive over the years and last but not least to everyone in the team who has believed in me, encouraged me and helped me along this journey I am truly thankful.

“See you soon & Forza Ferrari!”

Shwartzman’s departure opens up speculation about who will fill his reserve driver role, especially as Ferrari prepares to welcome Lewis Hamilton as Charles Leclerc’s teammate in 2025.

Outgoing Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu is reportedly being considered for the position. The Chinese driver is well acquainted with Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur who, as Sauber’s team manager in 2022, oversaw Zhou’s F1 debut with the Swiss outfit.

Zhou’s potential return to the Scuderia comes as Ferrari looks to boost its sales in China, where the rise of electric vehicles has cut into the brand’s market share. As a popular figure in Chinese motorsport, Zhou could help bolster Ferrari’s presence in the region.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.