Schwartzman: Most likely I will not participate in Formula 1

Robert Schwartzman made his F1 debut over a race weekend in Austin, completing his first practice session behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The Italian team’s test driver admitted, however, that he was close to having a chance at a Formula 1 career after failing to agree on a 2023 contract.

Robert Schwartzman: “Honestly, I had a difficult year. Unfortunately I didn’t race, which means a lot to any driver. I don’t know what awaits me in the future, but getting into Formula 1 will be very, very difficult.

I’ve always strived for this and worked hard, but at this stage of my career I don’t know if I’ll drive in Formula 1. I think I probably won’t. Of course, this realization makes me sad, because I worked hard and kept believing in it, but for various reasons, this never happened.

What could I have done better? Getting results in 2020 and 2021. It would probably help me get into Formula 1, but there were still no guarantees. To be honest, modern Formula 1 seems a bit strange to me. I don’t really understand how some lineup decisions are made. I don’t want to name names, but unfortunately places behind the wheel are not always earned.

I know if given the chance, I would do my best. At the moment, however, I can’t help it, although I would like more justice.

I can’t come to the team and say, “Take me, because I deserve a place and I’ll get results.” I can prove it when I get behind the wheel, but the decision is not mine. Maybe working with me isn’t a priority right now.

Nick de Vries waited three years for an opportunity, and when the stars aligned perfectly for him, he grabbed it. Can I do that? Who knows. Just sit and wait, don’t race and hope for a miracle… I don’t think that’s the right option for me. I miss racing and want to participate next year.

If you don’t race, you lose the racing spirit – the desire to fight, to win, to work on yourself. Imagine I’m not racing, but I’ll wait and wait and wait. In that case, if I get the chance, I’m just not ready because I haven’t raced since 2021.

That’s why my main priority is racing next year. Where? I don’t know, but we’ll look at the options and pick the best of the offers available.

I’ve matured, I’ve learned to work better with engineers, which will help me in my career wherever I play. I did some tests behind the wheel of an old car, for the first time I did in the first practice in Austin – it was very interesting and cool. I will also be in training in Abu Dhabi – that’s all. Unfortunately I haven’t flown that often this year, but what is, is.”