Shwartzman joins Schumacher at Prema for F2 2020

FIA Formula 3 champion Robert Shwartzman has been confirmed by Prema Racing as part of its Formula 2 line-up for the 2020 season, partnering Mick Schumacher.

Ferrari junior Shwartzman, 20, won the inaugural FIA F3 title in 2019 with Prema, and will remain with the Italian team for his move up to F2.

The Russian will partner Schumacher, who is confirmed to be remaining with the team for 2020 after making his F2 debut in 2019, scoring a Sprint Race win in Hungary.

Shwartzman and Schumacher were previously teammates at Prema in FIA European Formula 3 in 2018, when Schumacher won the title.

“It will be the third consecutive year for me with the team, so we know each other well and there is great chemistry. Our goal is to win the championship as this year we showed that, even with a new car, a lot of unknowns and high-level competitors, it is possible to be at the front right away,” said Shwartzman.

“I’m sure we have what it takes to do it all again in 2020. I will do my best to learn the tires and car as quickly as possible so we will be at the top of our game from the very beginning.

“I want to thank Ferrari, the Ferrari Driver Academy and SMP Racing for helping and supporting me. I hope to reward their continued trust with some great results.”

Schumacher added: “I will certainly build up on this experience when I go into a season that I cannot wait to start.

“Teaming up again with Prema seems only natural, since we work and grow together since so long now, and I can only thank them for again giving their trust in me.

“I'll definitely give anything to prove them right.”