Shwartzman tests the Ferrari SF21 at Mugello

Ferrari test driver Robert Shwartzman took to the track at Mugello for an in-season test with the team, driving last year’s challenger, the SF21.

Shwartzman, 2019 Formula 3 champion and last year’s runner-up in Formula 2 behind Oscar Piastri, took in 130 laps around the Tuscan circuit – which is owned by Ferrari – in his latest outing in a Formula 1 car.

The team said his run plan included both qualifying and race simulations, putting into practice the work he does on the Ferrari simulator back at Maranello, having last driven F1 machinery back in January by taking the Scuderia’s 2018 car around their in-house test track, Fiorano.

They also confirmed that the 22-year-old is set to take part in two free practice sessions this year, as the sport’s regulations stipulate at least two FP1 outings per season must be offered to reserve or junior drivers.

Look who’s here 🤩 @ShwartzmanRob behind the wheel of the #SF21 at Mugello 🇮🇹#essereFerrari🔴 pic.twitter.com/A4nmXZmQGV

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 13, 2022

Shwartzman is not currently racing full-time in a series this year, as is the case with former F2 rival Piastri, but continues to work behind the scenes with his team.

Shwartzman also holds dual Russian and Israeli nationality, so will take part in his free practice sessions under the Israeli flag after the ban on drivers competing under Russian nationality following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ferrari also confirmed they took the opportunity to use the test day to help train less experienced members of staff in terms of trackside experience, giving them the chance to work alongside senior mechanics as they look to make their own way to race weekends.

McLaren also held a mid-season test in the week, giving two days of running to IndyCar star Colton Herta at Portimao, with Formula 2 driver and Red Bull junior Jehan Daruvala also set to get behind the wheel of a McLaren in Portugal on Monday and Tuesday.

Ferrari will arguably be disappointed with first half of 2022

Even though their first half of the year has been a massive improvement on recent seasons, Ferrari will still have a sense of what might have been.