Ferrari F1 test driver Callum Ilott was picked by Juncos Hollinger Racing to finish out the last three races of the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series. He will also be driving for them full time in 2022. Ilott talked with us about how Indy cars compare to the Formula One and GT cars he’s been driving. He also compares the nuances of the Long Beach track to the streets of the Monaco Grand Prix. With essentially a new team and a new (to the series) driver, Ilott qualified P18 (out of 28) for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach which is quite good considering he’s never been here before and how tight the grid is here (he ran as high as sixth before retiring with a mechanical). He certainly has the potential to make a big name for himself here in the states with his skills. Sit back and enjoy this interview!

Callum Ilott waves to the crowd just minutes before the start of the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Callum Ilott pushed hard in Saturday qualifying and ended up in P18. It was a good result for the small team that’s just getting re-started and with Ilott never having been to Long Beach before.

Callum Ilott maneuvers his way around the tight Turn 11 hairpin before rocketing down Shoreline Drive. This hairpin is to the right as opposed to the hairpin in Monaco.

Callum Ilott leads Charlie Kimball and Conor Daly heading into the fountain area of the aquarium. Starting P18 and avoiding the first lap melee, Ilott worked his way up to 6^th place at one point in the race.

Looking down from the Aquarium of the Pacific parking structure through the palm tree leaves, Ilott already has his vision up for the upcoming tricky off-camber Turn 5. Interview and photos by Larry Mason