Formula 1 got a good look at Robert Shwartzman towards the end of the season, as the Russian-Israeli driver decided to sign up to F1 with his Israeli passport in order to avoid the sport’s ban on Russian drivers.
Shwartzman took part in a number of FP1 sessions for Ferrari as they completed their young driver test requirements and after being announced as the team’s reserve driver for 2023, the 23-year-old has had another opportunity to showcase his skills.
The Scuderia have been undertaking a private test at their private racetrack in Fiorano in last season’s car over the course of three days in preparation for the 2023 season.
Shwartzman reportedly impressed on his day in the car, which was delayed until later in the morning due to the track being too wet for the team’s liking.
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Over the course of the day, the Israeli completed 87 laps in the tough conditions, equalling a total of nearly 161 miles on the first day of the three-day test.
“It was a bit more challenging because of the wet conditions of the track,” said Shwartzman after the test.
“But still just a good experience, because I’ve never experienced driving an F1 car in the rain. Overall, I think it was a very positive test for me to learn new stuff, new things.”
The 23-year-old has explained that while he enjoys the experience of taking part in these tests for Ferrari, his goal is still to secure a full-time race seat in Formula 1 in the future.
“The goal is still the same: to arrive to Formula One [in a race seat],” he said.
“Obviously, I have a bit more job to do and a bit more learning, which is always good.
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“I just try to learn as quickly as possible and improve everything I have to improve as quickly and as better as possible to be fully prepared for hopefully future next steps.”
With Ferrari’s links to Haas and Alfa Romeo, it seems obvious that one of those two teams would be the likely destination for Shwartzman, should he be able to impress enough to be offered a race seat.
For the meantime however, the 23-year-old will spend his time learning from those at Ferrari, improving his skills and hopefully building a name for himself in Formula 1.