Robert Shwartzman shuts down “offensive̶...

Robert Shwartzman, 25, simply accomplished his rookie season in IndyCar. Driving for Prema Racing, he simply missed out on Rookie of the 12 months honors to Louis Foster, and ended the yr twenty fourth within the championship standings. He solely earned two high ten finishes, inserting as excessive as ninth at Iowa Speedway.

The one massive spotlight got here in Could, when Shwartzman earned a shock pole in the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. He was the primary rookie to win the pole for IndyCar’s crown jewel occasion in 42 years.

And this week, Shwartzman felt the necessity to publicly reply to rumors circulating, claiming that he is not joyful in his profession. The Israeli-Russian is a former F1 reserve driver, as properly the 2019 F3 champion and 2021 F2 championship runner-up. He made the change to IndyCar and the US racing scene after competing full-time within the World Endurance Championship, the place he piloted a Ferrari 499P Hypercar.

“I need to take a second to handle one thing that’s been circulating not too long ago,” Wednesday’s publish learn. “I hold seeing feedback and have obtained messages suggesting that I’m sad in IndyCar, or that I don’t take pleasure in racing right here. Let me be completely clear: I’ve by no means stated that, and I’ve by no means even thought it. These rumors come from hypothesis, and never solely is it inaccurate, it’s damaging and admittedly offensive. The reality is the exact opposite! I’m very joyful to be racing in IndyCar. I really like the sequence, the competitors, the environment, the number of the circuits; the followers are passionate and the paddock could be very welcoming.

“So, please don’t consider every thing you learn when it isn’t coming instantly from me. If I’ve one thing to say about my profession or how I really feel, you’ll at all times hear it from me first. Thanks to everybody who continues to assist me!”