Ferrari F1 Hopeful Throws His Hat in the Ring for Incoming ‘Third Driver’ Role in 2022

Robert Shwartzman is currently in his second year of Formula 2. He is a part of the Ferrari Drivers Academy. Last season, he impressed everyone with his driving and was on course to win the title before his charge stopped. He lost out the championship to his teammate, Mick Schumacher, who won the title.

It looks like the same thing will happen again for the Russian drier. His teammate and champion in waiting, Oscar Piastri, have beaten him comprehensively. With his F2 future unsure, Schwartzman is hoping to secure a reserve driver role in F1.

WATCH STORY: Ferrari Strategy Fails We Will Never Forget

Robert Shwartzman hoping that Ferrari appoints him as their reserve driver

As reported by Motorsportweek, the Russian is a part of the Ferrari driver academy. With his prospects in F2 looking slim, he is hoping to secure a reserve driver role at the Italian team. But he knows that the decision might not be up to him.

“It’s not for me to decide. I try to do the best job that I can and prove to Ferrari that I’m worthy of being with them,” Schwartzman said.

“I hope they see it. As I said, my side I need to focus more on F2 and if I’m going to get the chance to get the third seat, I’ll be very glad and very happy,” said the Prema driver.

READ MORE: Can F1 Teams Have 3 Drivers?

There is a chance at some point of me jumping into a Formula 1 car: Robert

The chances of Ferrari appointing Robert as their reserve driver are quite high. As they have to adhere to a new rule introduced by F1 to give more time in F1 cars to junior drivers. Ferrari will have to give at least 2 practice session runnings to their junior drivers next season. So going with Shwartzman for the role would make sense for them.

But the Russian driver states he is ready for the opportunity to drive an F1 car.

“Obviously it’s going to be an extra motivation for me because you need to work, I need to do some sim running and generally to prepare myself, just in case there is a chance at some point of me jumping into a Formula 1 car. 

I need to be 100% ready for that chance because it’s not a very high percentage of that happening,” said Schwartzman.

The Prema driver is genuinely quick but lacks consistency. A chance to hone his skills in an F1 car could be a game-changer in his career.

Will we see Robert in F1 in 2022? Let us know.