The Indianapolis Motor Speedway witnessed a historic moment on Sunday, May 18, 2025, as rookie Robert Shwartzman, driving for the debuting Prema Racing team, secured the pole position for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. The 25-year-old Israeli-Russian driver's achievement marks the first time a rookie has qualified on pole since Teo Fabi in 1983, sending shockwaves through the IndyCar paddock.
Shwartzman's journey to the top spot was nothing short of remarkable. Having missed the first day of practice, and with Prema Racing making its IndyCar debut this season, expectations were modest. Yet, the team and driver gelled quickly, showcasing impressive speed throughout qualifying. Shwartzman navigated the pressure-filled Fast Six session with poise, laying down a four-lap average of 232.790 mph that proved unbeatable.
"Honestly, I can't believe it," Shwartzman exclaimed after his stunning run. "I was closing my eyes. I was like 'this is a dream. It can't be true'. Honestly, I don't even know what to say. The car felt amazing. I can't thank Prema, I can't thank Chey [enough]. They did such an amazing job. It's unbelievable." His disbelief was palpable, a sentiment echoed by many who witnessed the unexpected triumph. The pit lane erupted in celebration as the Italian team, clad in their signature red, jumped for joy, savoring a moment that defied expectations.
Shwartzman's path to IndyCar is an interesting one. A former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, he served as a reserve driver for the Formula 1 team from 2021 to 2024 and also participated in free practice sessions for Sauber. However, with opportunities in F1 limited, he signed with Prema Racing to embark on a full-time IndyCar career in 2025. His transition to IndyCar included adapting to oval racing, something completely new to him. Before this year's Indianapolis 500, Shwartzman had never driven on an oval before. This makes his pole position even more impressive, demonstrating his adaptability and the quality of the Prema Racing team.
The unexpected turn of events also came amid drama for Team Penske, who had swept the front row in the previous year. Scott McLaughlin crashed heavily in practice, while Josef Newgarden and Will Power were disqualified from qualifying due to an illegal modification found on their cars. This opened the door for other teams and drivers to shine, and Shwartzman and Prema Racing seized the opportunity with both hands.
Lining up alongside Shwartzman on the front row will be veteran Takuma Sato, a two-time Indy 500 winner, and Pato O'Ward, who finished as runner-up in the previous year's race. The second row features Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist, and Alex Palou, setting the stage for an intriguing battle on race day.
Shwartzman's pole position is not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Prema Racing. The team, known for its success in Formula 2 and other junior categories, has made a bold entry into IndyCar, and their early success is a testament to their dedication and expertise. As Shwartzman put it, "Coming here for my first oval race, I would never expect to be in the position. It's unbelievable." This unlikely pole position adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming Indianapolis 500, making it a must-watch event for racing fans worldwide. The question now is whether Shwartzman can convert his pole into a victory, a feat that would cement his place in Indy 500 history.
