Callum Ilott has reignited speculation about PREMA Racing’s involvement in the Callum Ilott IndyCar 2026 campaign, hinting at the team’s possible return after financial setbacks threatened their future. The British driver’s recent social media activity, coupled with his commitment to a busy dual-racing calendar, has brought renewed attention to PREMA’s plans and the overall landscape for the upcoming IndyCar season.
PREMA Racing’s Eventful 2025 Debut and Challenges Ahead
PREMA Racing, an Italian motorsports powerhouse, stepped into the American open-wheel scene during the 2025 season, fielding a line-up that included rookie Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott. Entering their first IndyCar campaign with modest expectations, the team surprised the paddock when Shwartzman captured an unexpected pole position at the Indianapolis 500, a remarkable feat for a first-year driver.
Although the initial excitement was hard to match for the rest of the season, Ilott played a key role in helping PREMA finish strong by securing four Top 10 finishes in the final five races. Despite these encouraging results, PREMA faced mounting difficulties. By season’s end, funding concerns cast significant doubt over their ability to continue in IndyCar for 2026. Numerous updates from figures such as IndyCar president Doug Boles fueled speculation, yet concrete information regarding PREMA’s place on the 2026 grid remained elusive.
Social Media Hints Point Toward PREMA’s Return
On January 6, Callum Ilott posted a story on Instagram that featured a photo taken from inside his car, showing PREMA Racing’s facility. While no official announcement has been made, this image suggested Ilott was back at the shop, potentially marking the beginning of team preparations for 2026. The post has sparked optimism among fans and insiders about PREMA’s future, especially given the uncertainty that surrounded the team after the 2025 season.
According to multiple reports, PREMA Racing had invested more than $40 million when launching its IndyCar program. The substantial spending covered the setup of a new shop and the development of two Chevrolet-powered Dallara DW12 cars under the guidance of Rene Rosin. As of now, PREMA has not officially revealed any new sponsors or formally confirmed their entry for the next season.
Callum Ilott’s Dual Racing Commitments in 2026
Should PREMA return to the IndyCar grid in 2026, Callum Ilott is set for a particularly full year, balancing duties with both PREMA and Wright Motorsports. Ilott, who took part in this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, is slated to contest the complete IMSA schedule with Wright Motorsports during the same year.
He will drive the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R alongside Adam Adelson, who became the owner and co-driver of the team after acquiring it from John Wright in April 2025. Despite a busy calendar, Ilott’s IndyCar and IMSA commitments reportedly do not overlap, allowing the British driver to dedicate himself fully to both pursuits.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Wright Motorsports for the full season in GTD alongside my IndyCar season,”
said Ilott (via RACER).
“Having raced with Wright Motorsports once before, I got a taste of how impressive the team is, and I’m motivated to continue building on that throughout the year. It’s shaping up to be a great season ahead, and I can’t wait to get to work with Adam, Elliott, Tom, and the whole Wright crew.”
– Callum Ilott, Driver.
Uncertainty Surrounds Team Lineups and PREMA’s Official Status
While Ilott’s ambitious 2026 schedule has taken shape, the same cannot be said for teammate Robert Shwartzman, who thus far has no announced racing commitments beyond IndyCar next year. The forthcoming season also continues to be marked by speculation and underlying tension, given PREMA’s silence on new partnerships or sponsorships and the broader question of their long-term sustainability in American open-wheel racing.
The anticipation surrounding the Callum Ilott IndyCar 2026 efforts is significant for both fans and stakeholders, as the return of prominent European teams like PREMA signals important shifts in the sport’s competitive landscape. The next formal updates from PREMA or series officials will likely define the structure of the 2026 IndyCar season and clarify the direction for drivers such as Ilott and Shwartzman moving forward.
