Ferrari reserve driver Robert Shwartzman will complete his testing duties under an Israeli flag. The Russian driver has been part of Ferrari's driver academy, and as part of the academy, he had the opportunity to take part in two free practice sessions throughout the season.
Due to the current sanctions in place, however, Russian drivers cannot take part in FIA events. Hence, Robert Shwartzman, who possesses Israeli nationality by birth as well, will race under that flag.
Speaking about the situation, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto revealed that Shwartzman was the Scuderia's test driver and he will remain so. Should any opportunities arise in the future, the Italian unit will let him drive as well.
The Italian said:
“He was in agreement as well with Russian companies that he interrupted his, let me say, any agreement he got with those companies. Robert is still our test driver and he will remain that. If we will have in the future any opportunities to let him drive, we will probably let him drive.”
Robert Shwartzman has an impressive record in the junior categories. The Russian driver was the F3 champion in 2019 before he ended his two F2 seasons as 4th behind Mick Schumacher and runner-up behind Oscar Piastri.
Ferrari will be looking to bounce back in the Miami GP
The Italian squad has made a strong start to the 2022 F1 season. The team has picked up wins in two out of the four races so far and is currently leading the constructors' championship with 124 points on the board.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc is also leading the drivers' championship with a whopping advantage of 29 points over his main rival Max Verstappen. Ferrari will now be looking to make a comeback at the Miami GP after a rather underwhelming result at Imola.
At the Imola GP, Max Verstappen scored perfectly by winning the sprint race, then winning the main race as well, while notching up the fastest lap. Sergio Perez made it a Red Bull 1-2 for the team, while for the Italian squad it was a disappointing race. Carlos Sainz crashed out on the opening lap and Leclerc spun off from P3 before finishing P6. The team will be raring to make a comeback at the Miami GP.