Shwartzman 'very proud' after first laps as Ferrari F1 test driver

Robert Shwartzman was thrilled with his first outing in a Ferrari Formula 1 car as the team's official test driver, after the Russian was let loose at Fiorano in a 2018-spec SF71-H.

The Scuderia carried out a three-day session at their test track between Wednesday and Friday, with their Driver Academy member Shwartzman joining race drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz for some track time.

After Leclerc and Sainz drove on Thursday, Shwartzman climbed back behind the wheel for the entirety of Friday, having completed some initial mileage on Wednesday.

Shwartzman put in 121 laps of Fiorano on Friday, the equivalent of just over a Grand Prix distance, having lost some track time early on due to heavy fog at the Italian venue.

Those 121 laps took place in a variety of conditions, with the track going from damp in the morning to fully dry and sunny by the afternoon.

No racing programme for Shwartzman in 2022

Shwartzman will not be taking part in any racing series this year, with Ferrari instead choosing to place him as a full-time test driver.

Having been given the opportunity to drive the 2018 car, he spoke at the end of the day about how proud he is to be taking on the responsibilities of the role.

"These past few days, I have driven my first laps as a Scuderia test driver and I cannot deny I am very proud of my role," he said.

"It's always nice to drive a Formula 1 car and I hope there will be further opportunities during the year.

"My approach to the season will be completely different this year, as I am not taking part in any championship.

"I am completely available to the team, with whom I want to be fully immersed as there is a lot to learn.

"My aim is to get to race in F1 and I think that the test driver role is the best way to get there. When the time comes, I want to be ready."