Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in SPEED SPORT’s preview of each NTT IndyCar Series team. To read other team’s previews, click here.
The NTT IndyCar Series’ 11th team on the grid this year is Prema Racing. The Italian team has a rich history in various Formula series, where its excelled with some of Formula 1’s premier talents — Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon.
As the team enters its maiden season with the American open-wheel series, it has tasked two drivers to full-time duty.
IndyCar veteran Callum Ilott is the team’s experienced driver while it will also welcome 2019 Formula 3 champion Robert Shwartzman to the team.
Ahead of this weekend’s season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg (Fla.), here’s a look at each driver:
Key Additions: Callum Ilott (FIA WEC), Robert Shwartzman (FIA WEC)
No. 83 — Robert Shwartzman
Robert Shwartzman will embark on his rookie season in IndyCar when the green flag waves this weekend. While there are plenty of unknowns as to how he’ll adapt to Indy car racing, his track record is nothing short of impressive.
Alongside his F-3 title, Shwartzman also boasts six wins across two seasons in F-2 while driving for Prema.
Last year, the 25-year-old competed in the Le Mans Hypercar category with AF Corse in WEC, notching two victories in eight starts.
While it’s too early to tell how a new team and new driver to the series will fair, Shwartzman’s progress will be a topic to watch as the season progresses.
No. 90 — Callum Ilott
Callum Ilott had two starts in the IndyCar Series last season in relief for David Malukas at Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team. He earned two strong 11th-place results, including at the Indianapolis 500.
Aside from his open-wheel action, Ilott enjoyed a successful season with Hertz Team Jota (WEC) in the LM Hypercar division. He earned a win at the 6 Hours of Spa along with two second-place finishes during the season.
While it’s been a full season since his last full-time action in IndyCar, Ilott showed plenty of promise while competing with Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2023 with three top-10 finishes and a result of 16th in the standings.
Ilott will be a key component in the team’s rise to success within the series.
