After more than a year away from racing, Robert Shwartzman has found a new home. The Israeli driver has been confirmed as a Peugeot factory driver for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship, marking a dramatic return to the sport he loves. The news comes as a lifeline for the talented 26-year-old, whose career had stalled after Prema's ill-fated IndyCar venture collapsed.
Shwartzman's last race was in 2025, when he stunned the motorsport world by taking pole position for the Indianapolis 500 with Prema. But when the team failed to make the grid in 2026, both he and teammate Callum Ilott were left without a seat. While Ilott found refuge in IMSA, Shwartzman waited patiently for his next opportunity. Now, he is set to pilot the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar in the WEC, a series he knows well from his time with AF Corse in 2024.
The move to Peugeot is a significant step for Shwartzman, who has always harbored a passion for endurance racing. "I'm extremely happy to be returning to the FIA World Endurance Championship after my time racing in the United States," he said. "Endurance racing is something I've really missed over the past two seasons." His enthusiasm is palpable, and he is eager to contribute to the team's ambitious plans for 2027.
Peugeot team principal Emmanuel Esnault was full of praise for his new recruit. "He is unquestionably one of the most promising talents of his generation," Esnault said. "His natural speed, adaptability, and maturity make him an ideal fit for our project." The team has already integrated Shwartzman into its 2027 program, and both parties are confident of a successful partnership.
Shwartzman's junior career is nothing short of stellar. He won the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2019 and finished second in FIA Formula 2 in 2021, both with Prema. As a Ferrari junior, he also made several Formula 1 practice appearances with the Scuderia and Sauber, showcasing his versatility across different racing disciplines. This wealth of experience will be invaluable as he embarks on this new chapter with Peugeot.
The 2027 WEC season is set to kick off with the Qatar 1812 on March 27. For Shwartzman, it will be a chance to reignite his racing career and prove that he still belongs among the world's best. "I can't wait to contribute to this new chapter and help write the next stages of the story together," he added. With Shwartzman on board, Peugeot will be hoping to challenge for victories and add to their legacy in the Hypercar class.
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