Indianapolis, Indiana – In a stunning upset that has reverberated across the motorsports world, Robert Shwartzman has made history by capturing the pole for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, becoming the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie to achieve the feat since Teo Fabi in 1983. The 23-year-old PREMA Racing driver delivered one of the most improbable qualifying performances in Indy 500 history, cementing his place among the sport’s most extraordinary newcomers.
Shwartzman, driving the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet, achieved a four-lap average speed of 232.790 mph during the Firestone Fast Six, securing the top starting position for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” With this remarkable performance, Shwartzman became only the third rookie to win the pole on track and the sixth first-year driver to lead the field to green in the legendary event. PREMA Racing, a team celebrated for its European racing success but new to oval competition, also made history. The team is the first to claim an Indy 500 pole in its debut attempt since Mayer Motor Racing’s Tom Sneva 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.”
The pole is even more remarkable considering the team’s early struggles at Indianapolis. Shwartzman and teammate Callum Ilott had arrived behind schedule for both their first Indianapolis 500 and first oval race. On the opening day of practice, they completed just 22 combined laps. Shwartzman’s initial speeds reflected the challenges of limited preparation, ranking 33rd of 34 drivers on opening day and fluctuating between 28th and 32nd in subsequent sessions.
Everything changed on Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax. With an increase in engine boost and horsepower, Shwartzman’s car came alive, propelling him to 13th on the speed chart—a breakthrough moment that hinted at the potential for something extraordinary. The momentum continued into the first day of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying, where Shwartzman advanced into the Top 12 session despite finishing sixth overall, signaling his ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.
Sunday’s Top 12 shootout provided another step forward. Shwartzman improved to third with a 232.008 mph run, setting the stage for a dramatic finale in the Firestone Fast Six. It was here that he delivered his defining performance. Over four blistering laps, he averaged 232.790 mph, combining precision, speed, and composure to claim pole position against a field of seasoned veterans.
Joining Shwartzman on the front row were two Indy 500 stalwarts. Two-time winner Takuma Sato, driving the No. 75 AMADA Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, secured a place alongside the rookie, while Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet earned his first career front-row start. The mix of youthful talent and established stars underscores the competitive depth of the field this year.
Shwartzman’s achievement is more than just a statistical milestone. It represents perseverance, rapid adaptation, and the ability to deliver under immense pressure. For a rookie team in its first oval attempt, the feat demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to preparation, resilience, and execution at the highest level. PREMA Racing, long celebrated in European motorsports, now joins an elite club of Indy 500 pole winners, a testament to their seamless transition from road courses to one of the most challenging oval tracks in the world.
As the Indianapolis 500 approaches, the spotlight will be firmly on Shwartzman and PREMA Racing. Their improbable pole serves as a reminder that in motorsports, talent, focus, and determination can rewrite expectations and produce moments that will be remembered for decades. Shwartzman’s story, from early practice struggles to historic pole position, is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when preparation meets opportunity in one of the most demanding stages of racing.
Fans, competitors, and pundits alike will be watching closely as the 106th Indianapolis 500 unfolds, eager to see if the rookie sensation can convert his historic pole into race-day glory. Regardless of the outcome, Robert Shwartzman’s dramatic qualifying performance has already left an indelible mark on the sport, a reminder that sometimes, the most improbable stories produce the most unforgettable moments.
