Shwartzman excited by prospect of F2 step for 2020

Ferrari junior Robert Shwartzman is relishing the prospect of moving up to Formula 2 for 2020, believing it is “99 percent” likely he will make the step up the racing ladder.

Shwartzman was crowned the inaugural FIA Formula 3 champion with one race to spare in Sochi last Saturday, before ending the season with a 10th podium finish in the finale.

While the 20-year-old is yet to fully define his racing plans for next year, he envisaged a move up to F2 is the most likely course of action where he would join fellow Ferrari Driver Academy members Callum Ilott and Giuliano Alesi.

“I think the biggest chance, like 99%, is that I’m going to go to Formula 2,” Shwartzman said when asked about his 2020 plans.

“I’m really excited about that, but I don’t know with which team yet. I have no idea at the moment. My target will be to deliver my best like this year.

“I have liked working with Prema Racing. They are talented guys. I have a good relationship with them, but you never know.

“I just hope for a good car and a good team and I’ll do my best like this year, to try and be in the same position next year.”

The F3 title marked Shwartzman’s first major championship in single-seaters, giving the Russian a confidence boost by justifying his approach and work ethic.

“It means that the working process I’ve been doing in the past years has paid off. And it means that I have to keep doing this and go forward, and to improve myself,” Shwartzman said.

“Because when you start working, you’re not sure if you’re going to get results. People tell you to work hard and that you’ll get results from it. And when you don’t achieve anything, you start thinking: ‘Am I doing everything right?’

“Now, I can say it’s true, and we need to go forward. I think after this race, we will have a bit of time to relax, but obviously I will start as early as possible to prepare for next season.”

Shwartzman is likely to sample an F2 car for the first time in early December at the regular post-season test in Abu Dhabi.