Callum Ilott, the young British driver, looks optimistically towards the future as he completes his 2026 season competing with Wright Motorsports in the IMSA SportsCar championship. However, his true goal is to return to the IndyCar paddock.
This 27-year-old driver was not part of the 2026 IndyCar grid after a turbulent summer when the North American operation of PREMA Racing faced a deep financial crisis and its dissolution. The situation was complicated by the unexpected departure of the Rosin family, founders of the team, and the lack of a series charter that would have allowed them to continue their project.
Ilott had a standout performance in 2025, leading the PREMA team in its first season with the Chevrolet #83. Despite being a newcomer and the difficulty of a new structure, he finished the season with four top-ten results in the last five races, including two sixth places.
Despite his commitment to IMSA, Ilott has remained present in the IndyCar scene, working on his return options for 2027. ‘I have attended all the races except for Mid-Ohio. There have been many accidents and some fractures, but I have been involved in my return,’ Ilott remarked.
The driver has been looking for an attractive offer, not dismissing options in IMSA or the FIA WEC championship. ‘There are many possibilities, and in the coming weeks I hope to clarify my future,’ he added.
A standout resume
Ilott excels in single-seaters and sports cars, being the runner-up in the FIA Formula 2 in 2020. He balanced his single-seater career with the role of reserve and test driver at Scuderia Ferrari, and later competed with Juncos Hollinger Racing in IndyCar between 2021 and 2023, where he achieved notable results despite resource limitations.
His track record also includes a victory in the Hypercar class of the WEC in 2024. His experiences with new teams are the key trait that Ilott believes makes him a strong candidate for future matters with IndyCar.
Looking to the future
As the transfer season approaches, Ilott is aware of the time left to find an opportunity that allows him to return to compete at the highest level. ‘I would like to have a decision soon, ideally before the IndyCar season ends,’ he commented. If a competitive option does not present itself, Ilott does not rule out continuing his career in the GTP, LMP2, or GTD categories in IMSA or even returning to the Hypercar competitions of the WEC.
With determination, Ilott concluded: ‘My goal is to compete. I love to race, whether in race cars or even in unconventional vehicles. I just want to get back on the track.’
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
