Shwartzman admits his F1 dream may be over now
Nov.15 - Robert Shwartzman admits his dream of racing in Formula 1 could be over.
This year, the Russian - who kept his motor racing career alive amid the Ukraine conflict by switching to an Israeli license - has been the full-time reserve driver at Ferrari.
But the 23-year-old says the way the 2023 grid vacancies filled up ahead of next season is the starkest sign yet that he will not be able to realise his dream.
Robert Shwartzman getting ready for his F1 debut at FP1 for the 2022 USA F1 GP
"This season was really difficult," Shwartzman is quoted by Ilta Sanomat newspaper. "Unfortunately I didn't drive anywhere, which is a huge disappointment for a racing driver. I don't know what's going to happen yet, but it's really hard to get into F1."
According to the Finnish newspaper, one of the last straws for Shwartzman - the 2021 Formula 2 runner-up - was seeing Logan Sargeant secure the Williams seat for next year.
Sargeant is related to American oil billionaire Harry Sargeant III.
"Will my dream come true or not? I do not know," admitted Shwartzman. "I can guess that probably not, which is sad because I've worked so hard.
"F1 is a bit strange these days," he added. "I don't always really understand how the teams make their driver solutions.
"I don't want to name names, but I think places are not always allocated based on skills."
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Smells strongly of sour grapes, but probably correct about places being decided on wallet size rather than skill!
Oh the Irony of it
Sargeant is related to American oil billionaire Harry Sargeant III.
Favourite nephew!
and Williams needs money!
funny about that
Williams doesn't need sponsor money from drivers anymore.
They made this aspect clear quite a while ago & otherwise, they would've kept Latifi.
daddies money yes but Latifi was shite
Love to know the feelings of Russian olympians, world class footballers, drivers etc. You may be the fastest runner or best ever footballer but you'll never be on a world stage.
Overthrow Putin and we might find out.
The F1 train has more likely than not run away from him for good.
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