Formula E: Indy 500 polesitter Robert Shwartzman joins Lola for the Gen4 era

Lola has signed Robert Shwartzman as its first driver for Formula E's Gen4 era. The former Formula 3 champion will make his race debut in the all-electric World Championship in the 2026/27 season. The 27-year-old has already completed test runs in the new Lola T004. Alongside his Formula E commitments, Shwartzman will also compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027.

Robert Shwartzman will race for Lola in Formula E next season. As the British manufacturer officially announced on Wednesday, the former Ferrari junior driver will take the team's first seat for the new Gen4 era. The announcement confirms information previously reported by e-Formula.news in mid-October. Shwartzman will compete in a full Formula E season for the first time in 2026/27.

However, Shwartzman is no stranger to Formula E. In 2023 and 2024, he took part in two rookie tests in Berlin for DS Penske, as well as the rookie free practice session at the 2024 Misano E-Prix. At the 2024 Berlin rookie test, he topped the timesheets in both sessions.

Shwartzman is already involved in the development of the new Lola T004 and has completed his first test runs in the Gen4 car. He has been working alongside engineers from Lola and its technical partner Yamaha, who are jointly developing the powertrain for the next generation of Formula E cars.

From Formula 3 and Formula 1 to Indianapolis 500 pole position

Shwartzman won the 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship with three victories and ten podium finishes. He subsequently stepped up to Formula 2, finishing runner-up in the 2021 championship. He also gained Formula 1 experience through his role as a test and reserve driver for Ferrari, although he never secured a race seat in the series.

Instead, Shwartzman moved into endurance racing. In 2024, he claimed his first WEC victory with Ferrari at the six-hour race at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin. The following year, he competed in the IndyCar Series and made headlines at the Indianapolis 500 in particular: On his first appearance at the famous oval, Shwartzman sensationally secured pole position.

After spending the 2026 season without racing, Shwartzman will return to competition in two World Championships. Alongside his Formula E programme with Lola, he will race for Peugeot in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027. The French manufacturer officially announced his signing as a factory driver for the Peugeot 9X8 back in September.

Shwartzman: "The Gen4 car is an absolute beast"

"Balancing my commitments between WEC and Formula E is going to make for a demanding, non-stop season," says Shwartzman. "But honestly, after not racing in 2026, I missed it so much." Shwartzman is particularly impressed by the new car: "The Gen4 car is an absolute beast and so much fun to drive."

"He has already shown strong potential behind the wheel and has integrated well into the team, providing invaluable feedback as we prepare for the 2027 season," says Lola Team Principal Mark Preston. However, he also acknowledges that Shwartzman will face a learning curve as a Formula E rookie.

It remains unclear who will occupy Lola's second seat alongside Shwartzman. The official Formula E pre-season test will take place at the Circuito del Jarama near Madrid from 16 to 20 November. Lola will use the test to continue its preparations for the upcoming season with its new Gen4 car.