Shwartzman to complete at least two FP1s under Israeli flag in 2022

Ferrari has confirmed that Robert Shwartzman will be involved in two free practice sessions this year. The 22-year-old driver, who until this season always represented Russia, will do so under the Israeli flag. Shwartzman was born near Tel Aviv and has dual nationality.

Ferrari said at their junior test day at the Mugello circuit: "Today was very useful for Robert as he is due to drive in at least two free practice sessions at Formula One World Championship events this season, as per the regulations," the Italian racing team said in a statement. Shwartzman ended up driving 681 kilometres, more than twice the distance of a Grand Prix.

Will it be Ferrari or Haas F1?

For Shwartzman it was his second time in a Formula 1 car. He previously drove the 2018 SF71H at the Fiorano circuit in January. It is still unclear whether Shwartzman will be allowed to step into the Ferrari later this year, or whether he will be stabled at customer team Haas F1. Ferrari's other customer team, Alfa Romeo Racing, will most likely choose Theo Pourchaire, so that option seems to be off.

As of this season, it is new in Formula 1 that a stable must make a seat available to young, inexperienced talent for at least two free practice sessions. A rookie driver is defined as someone who has not participated in more than two Formula 1 races during their career. So a reserve driver who fills in for someone once or twice can also be used.

In 2021, Shwartzman finished second in the Formula 2 championship. He finished more than 60 points short of champion Oscar Piastri. This year, he does not have a permanent race seat. He is a test driver for Ferrari.