Former Ferrari F1 hopeful completes 'demanding' Lola Formula E switch

Former Ferrari junior driver Robert Shwartzman has signed for Lola as the team's first driver for the Gen4 era of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The Israeli-born driver brings a varied résumé to his Formula E debut. Shwartzman won the 2019 Formula 3 title with three victories and 10 podiums before stepping up to Formula 2, where he finished runner-up in 2021.

He later took on reserve and development duties in Formula 1 for Ferrari, picked up a maiden World Endurance Championship win at Lone Star Le Mans in 2024, and made headlines by claiming pole position for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 as a rookie.

Although it will be his first full Formula E campaign, Shwartzman has already completed rookie tests and free practice outings in the series. Alongside his Lola deal, he is also set to compete in the 2027 FIA WEC season for Peugeot. 

The 26-year-old has been putting in laps in the Lola T004 during testing, working closely with the Huntingdon-based squad and technical partner Yamaha. 

The Japanese manufacturer is continuing to partner with Lola on development of the Gen4 powertrain, bringing its engineering expertise to the championship's next-generation technology ahead of the 2027 season.

Shwartzman set for double 2027 racing programme

Shwartzman is a driver who has been linked with a seat in Formula E for a couple of seasons, and was spotted with Lola earlier this year in Berlin. 

He has not conducted a racing programme in 2026 but will race in both Formula E and WEC in 2027, a challenge he is wary will be "demanding". 

"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 team principal Mark Preston said the team was delighted to bring the former Ferrari junior on board.

"Robert's results and experience speak for themselves, and we are so pleased to be welcoming him to Lola Formula E," Preston 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."