Shwartzman Snags Pole Position for Indy 500

Robert Shwartzman has won pole position for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, a historic achievement that marks the first oval race he will ever drive in. He is not only the first rookie to win pole since 1983 but also the first Israeli driver to do so.

"The car was just perfect, all four laps."

Shwartzman's PREMA Racing team is in its first year in IndyCar, and his victory came with an average speed of 232.790 miles per hour.

"For me, it's like a race win, honestly." — Robert Shwartzman

In an interview, Shwartzman shared his mentality during qualifying weekend: "The mentality was just be smooth, careful. Not to go too aggressive and not to go too soft. And yeah, I think that's the perfect balance we managed to get it."

"I think the main key is the approach that we had," Shwartzman said. "We didn't have experience. I'm a rookie. Nobody would expect me to be in this position, not even me. I didn't even expect it myself. But I think the approach we had with the team is just go steady, step by step. We knew that the Indy 500 is not forgiving. Any mistake can be costly. And we were like, let's take it step-by-step. Do not lose confidence."

Shwartzman will be joined by Takuma Sato and Pato O'Ward in the first row for the Indy 500.

The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 25.