Ferrari finds way around Russian nationality test driver

Robert Shwartzman retired from Formula 2 last year and still hopes to make his debut in Formula 1. His Russian nationality has not helped him yet this year, but the Ferrari junior may still continue testing under a different flag.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all sports federations reacted with lightning speed. Russian athletes and sports teams were banned from competition or had to "re-register" under new conditions. The FIA also took similar steps. Nikita Mazepin we saw disappear from Formula 1 partly because of this. Shwartzman who, with his role as a Ferrari test driver, hoped to have a good chance of a future seat in Formula 1, also saw things getting more and more difficult.

With the Pirelli tests for 2023 underway, Ferrari has also sent an F1 car and a small delegation of team members to test. Carlos Sainz was on earlier this week and had problems on the track. The problems for Shwartzman took place alongside the track, but seemed to be resolved in time. AS-web.jp indeed, reports that the Russian was born in Israel and with his passport under that flag could simply test for the Scuderia.

However, the driver did agree to break his contracts with Russian companies. Later in the year, we will probably see the Israeli-Russian on the track a few more times during free practice sessions. As of this year, the teams are obliged to give more 'rookies' the chance to make metres in an F1 car.