2018 Toyota Racing Series Champion Robert Shwartzman has paid tribute to his late father Mikhail who passed away last night.
Shwartzman finished every race during the 2018 TRS season within the top five, and despite claiming only one sole victory at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, Shwartzman would conclude the season five points ahead of M2 Competition teammate Richard Verschoor.
The young Russian’s victory in Taupo also witnessed him claim the Denny Hulme memorial trophy. He would go on to finish runners up in that year’s NZ Grand Prix.
“You helped me so much through my life and career and I didn’t make it in time to pay you back,” Shwartzman published on his social media.
“You were and you are the best Dad in the world, I love you and I will miss you so much.”
Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc offered his condolences to the loss of Mikhail, saying:
“He is the proudest of what you have achieved already, that’s for sure, continue to make him proud, he will be watching you from above.”
Last year Shwartzman won the FIA Formula 3 championship with Prema Racing as teammate to kiwi rival Marcus Armstrong.
Shwartzman is contracted to join Prema in this year’s FIA Formula 2 championship and is widely tipped to be on route for a future seat in F1 with Ferrari.
Mikhail Shwartsman was a successful business entrepreneur who invested all his strength and resources into his son’s career, considering it the main purpose of his life.