Callum Ilott is back on the grid as a full-time driver after Prema, the newest IndyCar team, named him as their first-ever driver signing.
The historic move, announced in September, was Ilott’s ticket back into the series to reunite with the Prema family. With many drivers being no strangers to the Italian-based team, a reunion was bound to happen. But why Ilott? Looking at his entire history with the team, and the past two and half years in IndyCar will show why Ilott’s journey back to Prema makes sense.
Prema in the Formula Series
His journey started in his third Formula 3 European Championship season. He was originally signed with the Red Bull Junior team but was dropped after his first season following a winless campaign. Prema saw his potential resulting in them signing him for the 2017 F3 championship.
Ilott’s tenure with PREMA resulted in six victories across 30 races, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the championship, which current Formula One driver Lando Norris ultimately claimed. Although he didn’t get the title, his and his teammate Maximilian Günther’s impressive performances enabled PREMA to defend the team’s championship for the fifth time in a row.
He moved from Prema after graduating to Formula 2 in 2019, but 2020 was the year he made his mark in the junior ranks. He finished second in the F2 Championship, narrowly missing out by fourteen points to Mick Schumacher.
Through all this, despite no longer being a part of the Prema family, Ilott kept in touch.
From the ground up
His success in the Formula Series didn’t warrant a spot in F1. While figuring out what to do next, Juncos Hollinger Racing decided they would return to IndyCar. To prepare for the eventual full season, the team entered the last three races of the 2021 season, with Ilott piloting the No. 77 car.
In 2022 Ilott become their only entrant and with them running with limited resources there were questions as to how well he would do. And despite the impossible situation the young Briton faced, he managed to pick up eight top-15 finishes, including two top-10s, and even qualified on the front row for the season finale at Laguna Seca.
His performances with JHR had positioned him as a serious contender. Let’s keep in mind that even as a young driver with virtually no previous IndyCar experience, he was capable of not only delivering speed but also assisting a developing team in gaining traction within a highly competitive championship.
His impressive performances earned him a multi-year contract that was supposed to go through to 2024.
Brad Hollinger, said JHR’s swift rise in the series was partly due to its then 22-year-old British driver at the center of its competitive fortunes.
“Callum is a supremely talented young driver who beyond his driving skills and technical feedback, possesses the character and passion required to be a champion,” Hollinger said. “He is a rare combination of raw talent, intelligence, and maturity.”
In 2023, JHR decided to name Agustin Canapino as its second entrant, a decision that might’ve been made too prematurely. As the season went on moments of struggle started to add up and it has become increasingly apparent from external observations that the relationship between Ilott and the team appeared to be rapidly deteriorating.
The year still showcased his impressive skills and growth. Ilott concluded the season with his career-best, two fifth-place finishes. He also managed to finish outside the top 20 only twice, a significant improvement compared to six finishes below 20th place in 2022.
Part time in 2024
Prolonged contract negotiations with JHR hindered Ilott from engaging with other teams. By the time his departure was made public, it was already too late.
He unfairly lost out on a full-time drive for the 2024 season
Ilott did get a chance to continue but only making three appearances, including one at the Indianapolis 500, for the injured Arrow McLaren driver David Malukas. In his third running of the 500 Ilott qualified 15th and finished 11th.
He spent most of the 2024 season in the World Endurance Championship and won the Spa 6 Hours with the Jota team.
He knew he wanted to come back to the U.S. but he needed a team.
Full circle
When it was announced that Prema was expanding into IndyCar, it was the beginning of Ilott’s journey back to Prema and back to the grid.
PREMA Racing owner Rene Rosin said they always kept an eye on him after Formula 3 and they felt like they were picking up something he had left off.
“He proved his outstanding speed skills everywhere he competed. In addition, his prior INDYCAR experience will be an invaluable asset. Now that the opportunity to get back together has come, we are determined to make the most out of it.”
Now, he obviously doesn’t have the same amount of experience as, let’s say Alexander Rossi, a driver who was also heavily rumored to snag a seat with the Italian-based team. But what sets them apart is Ilott’s unique experience of being part of a new team’s foundation and success.
Similar to his start IndyCar with JHR, he is once again assisting a developing team, but this time with Prema and with 36 races under his belt.
Prema’s first signing Ilott’s journey back to Prema was a top-notch decision, with a young experienced driver who is only going to get better, now allows them to make the best move possible.
