Callum Ilott Bio
Callum Benjamin Ilott is a British racing driver who competes in the IndyCar Series, driving the No. 90 Dallara-Chevrolet for Prema Racing. Born in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, Ilott has established himself as a versatile competitor across multiple racing disciplines. He previously raced in the FIA World Endurance Championship and was runner-up to Mick Schumacher in the 2020 Formula 2 Championship. Ilott was also a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, demonstrating his potential at the highest levels of motorsport.
Early Life and Background
Callum Ilott was born on November 11, 1998, in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. As a child, his parents encouraged him to participate in various sports including football, cricket, rugby, and tennis. His interest in racing developed after attending a friend’s birthday party at a go-kart track, which sparked his passion for motorsport at a young age.
Ilott began his competitive karting career in 2008, quickly rising through the ranks. He secured his first win in 2011 in the Formula Kart Stars and finished third in the German Junior Karting Championship in KF3 class. His early success in karting laid the foundation for his transition to single-seater racing and eventual climb through the motorsport ladder.
Path to NASCAR
Unlike many drivers who progress through traditional NASCAR pathways, Ilott’s route to American open-wheel racing followed a European development trajectory. After establishing himself in Formula 2 and the Ferrari Driver Academy, he transitioned to IndyCar competition in 2021. This international background brings a different perspective to his racing approach, combining European technical development with American oval racing challenges.
Ilott joined Juncos Hollinger Racing for the final three races of the 2021 IndyCar Series, marking his debut in American open-wheel competition. His transition from European single-seaters to IndyCar demonstrated his adaptability across different racing formats and regulations.
Callum Ilott Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Ilott made his single-seater debut in 2015 with the Toyota Racing Series, racing with ETEC Motorsport. He then stepped up to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Carlin at age 16, showing immediate pace despite his rookie status. After moving to Van Amersfoort Racing in 2016, he secured his first victories in the series.
In 2017, Ilott joined Prema Powerteam and improved to fourth in the championship standings with six race victories. He progressed to GP3 Series in 2018 with ART Grand Prix, finishing third overall behind his teammates. His consistent performances earned him a promotion to Formula 2 for 2019, where he continued developing his skills at the highest level of junior formula racing.
Formula 2 Breakthrough (2020)
Ilott’s 2020 Formula 2 Championship campaign with UNI-Virtuosi Racing marked his breakthrough season. He secured his first victory at the Red Bull Ring and went on to win three races throughout the season. With five pole positions and six podium finishes, he finished as runner-up to fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher in the championship.
This strong performance positioned Ilott for potential Formula One opportunities. He served as a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, participating in practice sessions during Grand Prix weekends. However, he ultimately shifted focus toward endurance racing and IndyCar competition.
IndyCar Series Era (2021–Present)
Ilott joined Juncos Hollinger Racing for the final three races of the 2021 IndyCar Series, making his debut at Portland. He signed with the team full-time for the 2022 season, though his campaign was interrupted by a broken right hand suffered in a crash at the Indianapolis 500. He returned later in the season and showed flashes of potential, including a front-row qualifying effort at Laguna Seca.
In 2023, Ilott delivered a career-best fifth-place finish at St. Petersburg and replicated that result at the season finale. Despite challenges with team dynamics and equipment, he demonstrated strong overtaking abilities throughout the season. He parted ways with Juncos Hollinger Racing in October 2023.
Ilott made a brief appearance with Arrow McLaren in 2024, substituting for David Malukas at St. Petersburg and competing in the Indianapolis 500 where he finished eleventh. In September 2024, it was announced that he would join Prema Racing for the 2025 season, becoming part of the team’s newly established IndyCar program alongside Robert Shwartzman.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ilott has demonstrated particular strength in wet conditions and on road courses, skills honed through his European racing background. His overtaking ability has been a consistent asset throughout his IndyCar career, allowing him to make passes even when fighting challenging car handling. His experience across various racing series provides him with a adaptable approach to different track types and conditions.
Notable Races and Milestones
Ilott’s career highlights include his 2020 Formula 2 runner-up finish and his front-row qualifying effort at Laguna Seca in 2022. His eleventh-place finish in the 2024 Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren demonstrated his ability to compete at IndyCar’s highest level. The transition to Prema Racing for 2025 represents a significant new chapter in his IndyCar career.
Callum Ilott Career Wins
Callum Ilott has secured victories across multiple racing series throughout his career. His most significant wins came during the 2020 Formula 2 Championship season, where he achieved three race victories. He also accumulated multiple wins during his karting career and Formula 3 European Championship campaign.
Formula 2 Highlights
Ilott secured three Formula 2 victories during the 2020 season, beginning with his debut win at the Red Bull Ring. His championship challenge resulted in five pole positions and six podium finishes, establishing him as a consistent front-runner throughout the season. The runner-up finish to Mick Schumacher remains his most significant open-wheel achievement to date.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to Formula 2, Ilott won six races during the 2017 FIA Formula 3 European Championship season. In karting, he captured numerous titles including the WSK Masters Series and WSK Final Cup. His versatility was further demonstrated in the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he secured a victory at Spa-Francorchamps in 2024 with Jota Sport.
Callum Ilott Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Callum Ilott was born to parents who supported his early sporting interests across multiple disciplines. His father Chris Ilott is a former racing driver who competed in various British racing series, providing Callum with exposure to motorsport from an early age. This family background helped shape his career path and development as a driver.
Personal Life
Ilott maintains residences in both England and the United States to accommodate his international racing commitments. His personal life remains relatively private, with focus primarily on his professional racing career and development as a driver.
2025 Season Performance
Callum Ilott enters the 2025 IndyCar Series season with Prema Racing, marking a significant new chapter in his American open-wheel career. As part of a newly established IndyCar program built from scratch, Ilott will work alongside teammate Robert Shwartzman to develop the team’s technical infrastructure and competitive capability. This fresh start with a well-respected European racing organization provides an opportunity for Ilott to showcase his potential with proper equipment support.
The 2025 season will be crucial for Ilott to establish himself as a consistent contender in the IndyCar Series. With Prema Racing’s resources and technical expertise, combined with Ilott’s experience across different racing disciplines, the partnership has strong potential for success. His adaptability and previous experience with multiple teams should serve him well as he integrates into a new racing environment.
