Former Ferrari F1 junior Robert Shwartzman shocked the field at Indianapolis Motor Speedway by grabbing the pole position for the 2025 Indy 500. The rookie, driving for the brand-new Prema Racing team, turned heads during a wild qualifying weekend that few saw coming.
Shwartzman’s pole marks the first time a rookie has taken the top spot at Indianapolis since Teo Fabi in 1983. Despite missing the first day of practice, the newcomer advanced through the Fast 12 and then the Fast 6 shootout, where he posted an average speed of 232.790 miles per hour across four laps.
Rookie Robert Shwartzman Turns Indy 500 Qualifying Upside Down
The pole is even more remarkable given that Prema Racing is also making its Indy 500 debut. Their surprise success came as Team Penske (expected to lead the charge) ran into trouble. Scott McLaughlin crashed in final practice, while Josef Newgarden and Will Power were disqualified from the Fast 12 due to technical violations involving their cars’ rear crash structures.
When the dust settled, two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato qualified second. Pato O’Ward and Scott Dixon will also start up front. NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who’s attempting the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double, will start 21st.
Danica Patrick’s Reaction Captures Paddock Amazement
Danica Patrick, who knows something about making history at Indy, couldn’t hide her reaction. Now a broadcaster for FOX Sports, she posted a photo on Instagram of Shwartzman celebrating on his car.
Her caption summed it up: “Rookie on the provisional pole with a new team! Wow!”
Patrick’s reaction carries weight considering she was the first woman to lead laps and earn a podium finish in the Indy 500. After qualifying, Shwartzman appeared stunned when interviewed by IndyCar on FOX.
“No, honestly, I can’t believe it. I was closing my eyes like this is a dream, it can’t be true. Honestly, I don’t know what even to say,” he said.
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“The car felt amazing. Honestly, I can’t thank Prema and Chevy enough. They did such a good job. It’s unbelievable. Coming here for my first oval race, I would never expect myself to be in this position. It’s unbelievable. Big thanks to everybody,” he added.
Shwartzman’s surprise pole has fans and paddock insiders buzzing as we build up to the 109th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on May 25, 2025. All eyes are on the rookie who’s already made history before the green flag even drops.