F.1godfather

Ferrari Driver Academy member Robert Shwartzman will take the wheel of the Haas VF-21 in the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test at the end of the F1 season.

The 22-year-old Russian is the 2019 FIA Formula 3 champion and has won two Formula 2 races this season for reigning champions PREMA. Shwartzman partnered Mick Schumacher at the squad last season before Schumacher made the step up to Haas.

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“First of all I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for this great opportunity,” he said.

“This will be my first test with Haas F1 Team 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.”

Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner praised the Ferrari-backed driver’s ability: “We’re looking forward to testing with Robert at Yas Marina in December. 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 Mick 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.”

Two rounds remain in the 2021 F2 championship, Shwartzman sitting third behind soon-to-be Alfa Romeo driver Guanyu Zhou and Alpine’s 2022 reserve driver Oscar Piastri.