Shwartzman gets first F1 run as Ferrari juniors prep for test debuts

Robert Shwartzman is getting his first running in a Formula 1 car with Ferrari’s junior drivers testing at Fiorano to step up preparations for their respective practice debuts.

Shwartzman is among Ferrari’s three highest-placed academy drivers who will be given F1 race weekend debuts before the end of the 2020 season.

Current Formula 2 championship leader Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, and British driver Callum Ilott will both drive in the opening practice session at the Eifel Grand Prix.

Reigning Formula 3 champion Shwartzman is set to get his own FP1 bow, though the Russian, who currently sits fifth in the 2020 F2 standings, will have to wait until the season finale in Abu Dhabi to get his chance.

All three drivers are taking part in testing at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track on Wednesday in a 2018-spec F1 car.

Shwartzman has already completed a morning run in Ferrari’s SF71-H at the Italian venue, marking his first experience of driving F1 machinery.

Schumacher has previously tested for both Ferrari and Alfa Romeo after the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix, while Ilott also drove for Alfa Romeo in Barcelona following last year’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Schumacher will replace Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo for opening practice at the Nurburgring, with Ilott deputing for Romain Grosjean at Haas.

It is yet to be confirmed which team Shwartzman will drive for in Abu Dhabi, but all three are set to take part in the post-season young driver test at Yas Marina.

SEE ALSO: What F1 practice debuts mean for Ferrari's juniors

You never forget your first time Proud of you @ShwartzmanRob #RoadToF1 #FDA pic.twitter.com/tiH7zZBeqn

— FerrariDriverAcademy (@insideFDA) September 30, 2020