Robert Shwartzman, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, got his first taste of being an official Ferrari F1 test driver this week in Fiorano.
After being turned loose in a 2018-spec SF71-H in Fiorano, Russian Robert Shwartzman was ecstatic with his first trip in a Ferrari Formula 1 car as the team’s official test driver.
Between Wednesday and Friday, the Scuderia held a three-day session at its test track, with Driver Academy member Shwartzman joining race drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz for some track time.
After Leclerc and Sainz drove on Thursday, Shwartzman returned to the track for the entire day on Friday, having accomplished some preliminary mileage on Wednesday.
On Friday, Shwartzman completed 121 laps of Fiorano, the equivalent of little over a Grand Prix distance, despite losing some track time owing to thick fog at the Italian track early on.
The 121 laps were completed in a variety of weather conditions, with the track being damp in the morning and entirely dry and sunny by the afternoon.
No racing programme for Shwartzman in 2022
This year, Shwartzman will not compete in any racing series, since Ferrari has decided to use him as a full-time test driver.
He remarked at the end of the day about how delighted he is to be taking on the responsibilities of the post after being given the opportunity to drive the 2018 car.
“These past few days, I have driven my first laps as a Scuderia test driver and I cannot deny I am very proud of my role,” he said.
“It’s always nice to drive a Formula 1 car and I hope there will be further opportunities during the year.
“My approach to the season will be completely different this year, as I am not taking part in any championship.
“I am completely available to the team, with whom I want to be fully immersed as there is a lot to learn.
“My aim is to get to race in F1 and I think that the test driver role is the best way to get there. When the time comes, I want to be ready.”
The uniforms of F1 racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price:
