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Callum Ilott’s Comeback: The Journey to IndyCar Redemption with Prema Racing

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 27, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Callum Ilott’s Comeback: The Journey to IndyCar Redemption with Prema Racing

May 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indycar Series driver Callum Ilott during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As the sun set on 2023, the IndyCar circuit bid farewell to Callum Ilott. His departure from Juncos Hollinger, painted as mutual, left many questioning whether we’d witness his return. Ilott’s exit, perceived as somewhat bitter, occurred during a period when most seats were already claimed. However, fortune favored the young driver as he managed to secure a coveted spot with Jota for 2024’s top-level sportscar racing.

Despite Juncos Hollinger being an underdog in the racing world, Ilott’s performance had been nothing short of impressive. The team’s quick expansion meant they were running before walking, but their efforts were commendable. However, standing out in a team punching above its weight can be challenging, especially when it’s hard to explain why you finished 12th in the order.

Fast forward to the present, Ilott has moved on to Prema Racing, determined to settle the unfinished business. In his conversation with The Race, Ilott expressed his determination to adapt and improve from the past. The drive to return and perform better in IndyCar was strong, given his accomplishments elsewhere.

Ilott’s return to IndyCar reveals his unfinished business. His stint with Jota WEC led to a win at Spa, which generated significant interest. Yet, the allure of IndyCar prevailed. The racing circuit, according to Ilott, is unparalleled. He believes his experience with sportscar racing could help him return to that genre, but IndyCar presents a different challenge.

Ilott’s journey has been marked by unexpected turns and unmet expectations. He was hopeful for a shot at Formula 1, which didn’t materialize, and his abrupt departure from IndyCar was another blow. But now, joining a new team, Prema, brought back memories of his initial IndyCar days with Juncos in 2021. The team had to start from scratch, similar to Juncos, but this time, there’s no luxury of purchasing information and equipment from another team.

Prema’s journey to St Petersburg this weekend is one of uncertainty, given they’ve only had three days of testing. Yet, the team has shown potential, with Ilott setting the eighth-fastest time at the Sebring test last week. The team’s biggest challenge lies in blending new personnel with unfamiliar equipment, a process that will take time to perfect.

Ilott acknowledged the challenges of starting anew. Selecting a baseline and working from there is a crucial step, but it’s also essential to be selective about what needs focus. He compared this process to adjusting to a new seat, steering wheel, or any other component of the car.

Joining Ilott in this new venture is Robert Shwartzman, another rookie who has a history with Ilott from their days on the Ferrari junior program. Shwartzman, the 2019 FIA Formula 3 champion, has also left his WEC seat, this time with Ferrari, to rejoin Prema.

The two drivers will have to rely on each other for data and development direction. Their individual fortunes are intertwined, and both are ready to start this new project. Shwartzman believes that despite the challenges, the team will eventually succeed, and that’s where the joy lies.

The road ahead for Prema is uncertain. They could either be fighting for the top eight or trailing two seconds behind. Ilott’s determination to address his past issues and Shwartzman’s belief in their shared venture provide a sense of calm amid the storm.

As St Petersburg beckons, even a top-15 finish would be a victory. The grid is packed with top teams like Andretti, Ganassi, McLaren, and Penske. Expecting Prema to outperform these seasoned teams immediately might be seen as presumptuous. However, within the team, there’s a calm belief that they will reach their desired level, no matter how long it takes. In the end, the only judge of this team’s success will be time itself.

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