The head of Ferrari said that Schwartzman deserves a place in Formula 1. Previously, the Russian received an Israeli license

The head of the Ferrari racing team, Mattia Binotto, called the Russian Robert Schwartzman a “fantastic racer”, noting that he deserves a place as a combat pilot in Formula 1.

Schwartzman will make his debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1-75 during first practice at the US Grand Prix on October 21. The Russian will temporarily take the place of the Monegasque Charles Leclerc or the Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

Robert is a fantastic racer. I think he is very fast, especially when driving a Formula 1 car. Whenever he drove our cars (on tests in Maranello) he was successful. There are drivers who can be good in Formula 3 or Formula 2, and then not shine at a higher level. Robert in this sense is the opposite.

This season he has worked a lot on the simulator, helping our team in the development of the current car. He has improved, he has developed new skills and is much more mature today than he was a year ago. And so I think he deserves a place (in Formula 1),” Binotto is quoted by Autosport.

Israeli-born Shvartsman, 23, has always represented Russia in international competitions but has now obtained an Israeli license to retain his right to race in the event of a total suspension of Russian drivers by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

In the spring, the Russian Nikita Mazepin, who played for Haas, lost his place in Formula 1. Alexander Smolyar competes in Formula 3 under a neutral flag.