Robert Shwartzman became the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie since Teo Fabi in 1983 to win the pole for the Indianapolis 500, delivering one of the most improbable qualifying breakthroughs in event history.
He became just the third rookie to earn the pole on track and the sixth first-year driver to lead the field to green in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The defining moment came when Shwartzman delivered a four-lap average of 232.790 mph in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet during the Firestone Fast Six. PREMA, a powerhouse in European competition but brand new to oval racing, became the first team to win the Indianapolis 500 pole in its debut attempt since Mayer Motor Racing put Tom Sneva on the pole in 1984.
“Every time I look at the videos at the moment, it just brings me a smile,” Shwartzman said. “Rookie of the Year is a nice bonus, but qualifying for the Indy 500 is the biggest in the world. There’s nothing like it, not even Monaco. You have one day to enjoy that in F1; here it’s history-making. You’re competing against legends like Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, the Penske cars, everyone, and you beat them as a rookie.”
What made the achievement even more remarkable was how far the team had to climb. Shwartzman and teammate Callum Ilott completed just 22 combined laps on the opening day of practice, May 13, having arrived behind schedule on preparations for both their first Indianapolis 500 and their first oval race.
Shwartzman’s early speeds reflected the team’s late start. He ranked 33rd of 34 drivers on opening day, improved only to 28th on Wednesday and dropped to 32nd on Thursday. But everything changed on Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax. With the increased engine boost and added horsepower, the No. 83 finally came alive, and Shwartzman jumped to 13th on the speed chart -- his first sign of true qualifying potential.
Momentum carried into the first day of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday, where Shwartzman surprised by advancing into the Top 12 session after finishing sixth. He then delivered another step forward Sunday, improving to third with a 232.008 mph run in the Top 12 shootout.
But the best was yet to come. In the Firestone Fast Six, Shwartzman’s final four laps were his strongest of the month, culminating in the breathtaking 232.790-mph average that secured his place in Indianapolis 500 history.
Joining the rookie polesitter on the front row were two veterans of the event: two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato, driving the No. 75 AMADA Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, who earned his first career front-row start.
Shwartzman’s pole run stands as a testament to perseverance, rapid adaptation and the ability to deliver when the moment is biggest even in the most daunting qualifying challenge in motorsports.
