Robert Shwartzman Makes History as First Rookie in 42 Years to Claim Indy 500 Pole

Robert Shwartzman, of Israel, celebrates after winning the pole position during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

By Staff, Hoosier Enquirer May 18, 2025

SPEEDWAY, Ind. — In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, rookie Robert Shwartzman etched his name into Indianapolis 500 history on Sunday, becoming the first rookie in 42 years to claim pole position for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The 25-year-old Israeli driver, competing in his first-ever oval race, delivered a jaw-dropping four-lap average of 232.790 mph in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet, outpacing IndyCar heavyweights and securing the coveted NTT P1 Award for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for May 25, 2025.

Shwartzman’s achievement marks the first time a rookie has won the Indy 500 pole since Teo Fabi accomplished the feat in 1983, and only the third time in the race’s storied history, joining Walt Faulkner (1950) and Fabi. The victory is all the more remarkable given Shwartzman’s lack of oval experience and PREMA Racing’s status as a first-year IndyCar team, making their pole position a historic milestone not seen from a debut team since Mayer Motor Racing in 1984.

“It feels like I’m dreaming,” Shwartzman said in a post-qualifying interview with FOX Sports, his voice trembling with disbelief. “I was closing my eyes like, ‘This is a dream, it can’t be true.’ The car felt amazing. Coming here for my first oval race, I would never expect myself to be in this position. Big thanks to PREMA, Chevrolet, and the fans cheering for me.”

A Rookie’s Unlikely Journey to the Top

Shwartzman’s path to Indy 500 pole sitter is a story of raw talent, relentless focus, and a team defying the odds. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and raised in Italy with ties to St. Petersburg, Russia, Shwartzman carved out a successful career in European open-wheel racing. He won the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2019 and finished second in FIA Formula 2 in 2021, later serving as a Ferrari Formula 1 reserve driver from 2021 to 2024. Despite his pedigree, Shwartzman had never raced on an oval before joining PREMA Racing for the 2025 IndyCar season.

PREMA, a powerhouse in European junior formulas, entered IndyCar this year with high ambitions but faced a steep learning curve. The team struggled through the season’s opening races, with Shwartzman sitting 24th in the standings and teammate Callum Ilott 26th out of 27 full-time drivers. Their early practice sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway were equally challenging, with Shwartzman managing just six laps on the first day due to mechanical issues. Yet, the team’s perseverance paid off as they steadily improved the car’s setup through each session.

By Fast Friday, Shwartzman cracked the top ten in four-lap averages, hinting at the speed that would soon stun the field. On Saturday, he secured a sixth-place run in the Fast 12, earning a shot at the Firestone Fast Six pole shootout. But it was Sunday’s performance that sealed his place in history. Shwartzman’s first lap clocked an astonishing 233.166 mph, and he maintained blistering consistency over the next three laps, averaging 232.790 mph to edge out two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato (232.478 mph) and fan favorite Pato O’Ward, who will join them on the front row.

“I honestly did not expect it to go that well,” Shwartzman admitted. “It’s the toughest qualifying of my career. Four laps, consecutive, full focus—one slight mistake and you’re done.”

A Qualifying Day Full of Drama

Shwartzman’s triumph was amplified by a chaotic qualifying weekend that saw favorites falter. Team Penske, which swept the front row in 2024, suffered a shocking setback when Josef Newgarden and Will Power were disqualified from the Fast 12 for an illegal modification, and Scott McLaughlin crashed heavily in Sunday’s practice, relegating all three to the fourth row. Chip Ganassi Racing, expected to dominate, saw Alex Palou and Scott Dixon fall short in the Fast Six, landing in the second row alongside Felix Rosenqvist.

The absence of established powerhouses opened the door for Shwartzman and PREMA to seize the moment. “Rookie on pole with Shwartzman—how wild does that get? New team. I didn’t see that coming at all,” said 2008 Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon, encapsulating the paddock’s disbelief.

Pato O’Ward, who finished third, was equally impressed. “It’s phenomenal what they did today,” he said. “Indianapolis is full of surprises, and it’s cool to be part of it.”

The Mental Marathon of Indy Qualifying

Shwartzman described the Indy 500 qualifying as unlike anything he’d experienced, even in his Formula 1 practice sessions. “I was never really worried about qualifying in my entire life,” he said. “Even when I drove F1 cars, I was calm. Here, it’s full focus. You don’t get a moment to breathe.” The mental intensity of maintaining precision at over 230 mph for four consecutive laps tested the rookie’s resolve, but his composure under pressure proved he belongs among the sport’s elite.

His race engineer, Joao Ginete, played a pivotal role, guiding Shwartzman through the nuances of oval qualifying. On Saturday, they discussed the potential for cooler Sunday conditions to boost speed. “I guess two miles an hour,” Shwartzman predicted—a prophecy fulfilled in his pole-winning run.

A Historic Moment for PREMA and Israel

Shwartzman’s pole is not only a personal triumph but a landmark for PREMA Racing and Israeli motorsport. As the first Israeli driver to win the Indy 500 pole, Shwartzman carries the weight of national pride. He switched to an Israeli racing license in 2022 to avoid anti-Russian sanctions, a decision that now sees him making history under the Israeli flag.

For PREMA, the pole is a testament to their adaptability. Despite early struggles, the team’s meticulous preparation and belief in Shwartzman delivered a result that defied their 40-to-1 odds. “I’m really proud of the team,” Shwartzman said. “It’s the Indy 500, the main race of the year. This is a legendary moment for us.”

Looking Ahead to Race Day

As the Indy 500 approaches, Shwartzman remains grounded about his prospects. With no oval racing experience, he faces a steep learning curve in the 200-lap, 500-mile marathon. Recent practice sessions have seen multiple crashes, including those of Marcus Armstrong, Colton Herta, and Scott McLaughlin, underscoring the challenges of navigating the 2.5-mile oval at breakneck speeds. Shwartzman’s goal is pragmatic: “Simply finishing the race would be a good result.”

Yet, his pole position has made him an instant fan favorite and a driver to watch. Posts on X captured the excitement, with journalist Jeff Gluck exclaiming, “NO WAY. That just happened!! Rookie driver. First-EVER oval race in ANY series. Brand new IndyCar team. ROBERT SHWARTZMAN has done it!” Another user, @wbuxtonofficial, praised Shwartzman’s “guts and guile,” calling him a “superstar” spurned by Formula 1.

A New Chapter in Indy 500 Lore

Robert Shwartzman’s improbable pole has added a thrilling chapter to the Indianapolis 500’s legacy of surprises. As he prepares to lead the field to the green flag on May 25, the rookie carries the hopes of PREMA Racing, Israeli fans, and a global audience captivated by his underdog story. Whether he can convert his pole into a race win remains to be seen, but for now, Shwartzman has already achieved the unthinkable, proving that at Indianapolis, anything is possible.

Coverage of the 109th Indianapolis 500 begins at 10 a.m. ET on May 25 on FOX. Follow Hoosier Enquirer for updates and exclusive race week content.