Robert Shwartzman Shines in Historic Indy 500 Qualifying
Robert Shwartzman of Prema Racing faced significant challenges during his initial days of practice for the Indianapolis 500, managing only six laps on the first day due to car preparation issues. With virtually no oval racing experience, expectations were low for the rookie team as they struggled through the early sessions.
However, Day 2 marked a turning point for Shwartzman, who completed 84 laps and gradually improved his performance despite placing 28th and 32nd in the speed charts on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. His persistence paid off; he achieved a top-ten position in the four-lap averages during Fast Friday.
In a surprising turn during Saturday’s qualifying, Shwartzman secured a sixth-place spot in the Fast 12 — an outcome many considered beyond reach. “I honestly did not expect it to go that well,” he remarked after the session. “After such a good run this morning, I thought, ‘Okay, this car is really fast.’"
He described the experience as “the toughest qualifying of my career,” emphasizing the intense focus required to complete four consecutive laps without error. Operating a lap average of 231.295 mph and surpassing 230 mph during his mock qualifying run cemented his place among the fastest drivers.
Shwartzman recounted a pivotal moment during his qualifying attempt, where he initially floored the car, achieving speeds of 233 mph, ultimately gaining confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities. “At the end, it just showed the car is really there. Obviously, we still need to do some work to catch the top guys,” he asserted.
With a background in European racing, Shwartzman noted that the Indy 500’s qualifying atmosphere is unparalleled, stating, “It’s not comparable… you never feel the same emotion.” As he prepares for race day, he reflects on the unique challenge of Indy, highlighting the necessity for unwavering concentration and the potential for future success.
As the weekend unfolds, Shwartzman’s performance signals both personal and team growth, setting the stage for an exciting race at the iconic speedway.
