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A rookie driver celebrated a unlikely pole victory for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
While the Penske team was disqualified before the last two classification rounds, Robert Shwartzman won the post.
The 25 -year -old was driving for Prema races and became the first Rookie of Indy 500 to qualify for pole since 1983. Shwartzman, who has dual nationality in Israel and Russia, initially ran under the Russian flag. He currently competes under the Israeli flag, which makes Tel Aviv’s native to Israel’s first pilot to make “the biggest show in the races.”
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Prema Racing pilot Robert Shwartzman, celebrates winning the Pole for Indy 500 during the Fast Six classification in Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 18, 2025. (Grace Holgars / USA Today Network through IMAGN images)
Until Shwartzman’s victory, Teo Fabi was the last rookie to qualify for the Pole Indy 500. Coincidentally, he was an Italian, just like Prema, which was also founded in 1983. Prema is established in Europe and the races of the Formula 2 series. He made his debut in Indycar this season.
Prema is the first team that debuts in the Indy 500 to land on pole since Mayer Motor Racing put Tom Sneva there in 1984.
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The event also marked the debut in Shwartzman races in an oval. He said victory felt like a dream.
“Honestly, it seems that I am dreaming. I only had it in my dreams when I was going, how would I feel so good in Quali,” he said? “It’s the Indy 500. It is the main race of the year. Honestly, it feels incredible.”
Prema racing driver, Robert Shwartzman, #83, reacts after establishing a winning time on Sunday, May 18, 2025 during the quick rating of six for the 109th race of Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Gary Mook / to Indistar / USA Today Network through IMAGN images)
Shwartzman had been following a career in Formula 1 and was part of Ferrari’s development program, as well as its reserve driver from 2021 to the end of last season. Prema then caught him for his team of two cars.
Prema racing driver, Robert Shwartzman, #83, reacts after establishing a winning time on Sunday, May 18, 2025 during the quick rating of six for the 109th race of Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Bob Goshert / To Indistar / USA Today Network through IMAGN images)
The post was first open for the shot when the Penske team was disqualified to qualify for an illegal modification in the cars of the two -time defender winner of Indy 500 Josef Newgarden and Will Power. Then, Scott McLaughlin destroyed his car in an accident on Sunday morning during practice.
The three Penske pilots began in the front row last year, but they will be tenth, 11 and 12 in the fourth row together next weekend.
