IndyCar: Prema Racing has financial problems

      Italian team Prema Racing, which debuted in IndyCar in 2025, appears to be facing serious financial problems. According to Racer, the team is looking for new sources of funding to continue competing in the American series in 2026, but its management refuses to comment on the matter.

      Rumours about Prema’s financial difficulties have been circulating for several months, starting in May. It was then that Robert Shwartzman caused a real sensation by winning qualifying in the No. 83 car at the famous Indianapolis oval and taking pole for the classic Indy 500.

      The author at Racer calls Prema Racing one of the most impressive new teams in recent years, and that is not only because of Shwartzman’s pole: his teammate, Briton Callum Ilott, has finished in the top ten in three consecutive races, which is also attracting media and public attention.

      During the season preparation Prema’s budget appeared to be in order: the team acquired brand-new cars and equipment and settled at a fully equipped base in Indiana.

      Rumour has it that more than $40 million was spent on these efforts, invested by Deborah Mayer, a French racing driver and entrepreneur who became one of the founders of Prema’s American project. However, it is now unclear whether she will continue to be involved.

      The Italian team still has two races left in the season, including this weekend when Shwartzman and Ilott will take the start at the oval Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin. Following qualifying, Robert will start 21st and his teammate 25th.

      The team is currently trying to find new partners and investors to continue operating beyond the season finale scheduled for the last weekend of August.