Ex-Ferrari F1 reservist joins driver-less Formula E squad
Lola Formula E Team has at last resolved the initial element of its driver selection puzzle by securing the services of a former Ferrari Formula 1 reserve driver.
The British outfit has been gearing up for the sport’s Gen4 phase without a permanent lineup, following Lucas di Grassi’s retirement and Zane Maloney’s move to Nissan.
The off-season featured various speculation regarding potential recruits, including Dan Ticktum, who ultimately chose a position with the newly formed Fortescue Zero Racing team.
However, with only one week remaining before pre-season testing at Jarama, Lola has secured half of its lineup—a driver possessing substantial experience yet new to the all-electric championship.
Robert Schwartzman is eager to undertake the challenge of Formula E. Image: Lola
Robert Schwartzman achieves ‘long time’ Formula E goal with his Lola drive
Robert Schwartzman, a former Indy 500 polesitter, Formula 3 Champion, and Ferrari Academy graduate, has been selected for the role.
The Israeli driver has been largely absent from competition since PREMA’s departure from IndyCar, though he has recently returned to the World Endurance Championship, having previously raced in it in 2024 for Ferrari.
With a Peugeot deal secured, Schwartzman, like many FE drivers, will balance his endurance commitments with it, which seems manageable as he disclosed that a championship seat had been a longstanding ambition.
“I’m very excited to join the Formula E grid and start this new chapter of my career with Lola,” he said.
“Formula E is such a competitive, unique championship and one I’ve wanted to race in for a long time. Balancing my commitments between WEC and Formula E is going to make for a demanding, non-stop season but honestly, after not racing in 2026, I missed it so much.
“Being back to doing what I love most, especially with a double campaign across two world class programmes is an incredible feeling. I’m really grateful to everyone who worked behind the scenes to give me this opportunity.
“What makes joining this project so special is working with a legendary name like Lola as we enter the GEN4 era. The GEN4 car is an absolute beast and so much fun to drive, I really can’t wait to start the season and push it to the limit on what looks like a fantastic calendar.”
Lola’s initial testing has yielded some positive indicators, with the team always being somewhat disadvantaged due to joining FE midway through the Gen3 era.
Since Schwartzman has been testing for Lola covertly for a period, it appears that significant preparation has already been completed, offering an encouraging sign for Team Principal Mark Preston.
“Robert’s results and experience speak for themselves, and we are so pleased to be welcoming him to Lola Formula E,” he said.
“While he enters the series as a rookie facing a genuine learning curve against established grid veterans, his proven ability to adapt quickly across different categories makes him a highly promising prospect for the GEN4 era.
“He has already shown strong potential behind the wheel and has integrated well into the team, providing invaluable feedback as we prepare for the 2027 season.”
READ MORE – Exclusive: Dan Ticktum gives early assessment of Fortescue Zero Racing operation
