A new chapter is set to begin in IndyCar racing as Mick Schumacher, the 26-year-old son of legendary seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, prepares to join the grid for the 2026 season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL). This move brings a storied racing legacy to the American open-wheel series and marks an exciting transition for Schumacher, who has built a respectable career across various international motorsport disciplines.
Schumacher’s debut in IndyCar is scheduled for March 1, 2026, on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, kicking off what promises to be a compelling season. Though new to the series, Schumacher arrives with a rich background in competitive racing. He has earned points in Formula 1, secured championship titles in both FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2, and currently competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the Alpine team. His diverse experience across multiple racing formats is expected to serve him well as he adapts to the unique challenges of IndyCar.
Last month, Schumacher undertook a pivotal test with RLL at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, situated between two WEC races. Reflecting on his first IndyCar experience, he shared that the series immediately struck him as an excellent opportunity. “Having both an F1 and an endurance background, and having competed in various racing series over the years, I have insights and knowledge that I am sure will contribute to a great partnership,” he said. Schumacher praised the RLL team for their thorough preparation during testing and expressed confidence in building a strong collaboration moving forward.
Schumacher’s enthusiasm for IndyCar extends beyond just the technical aspects of the sport. He expressed particular excitement about the “American way of motorsport,” which he described as “more about pure and direct racing.” This style of competition, he said, aligns well with his own racing philosophy and is something he eagerly anticipates experiencing firsthand. “For me, a new journey is beginning here, and I am excited for the season to start,” he added, underscoring his eagerness to embrace fresh challenges and broaden his horizons.
In the 2026 season, Schumacher will pilot the No. 47 car for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He will join a three-driver lineup that includes Graham Rahal, an experienced IndyCar competitor, and Louis Foster, who is slated to be the 2025 Rookie of the Year. With this addition, the future of current RLL driver Devlin DeFrancesco comes into question. The 25-year-old Canadian, who finished 26th in a 27-driver full-time field, will not return to the team despite having signed a multi-year deal just last December. This change reflects the high stakes and competitive nature of IndyCar team compositions.
Schumacher’s path to this moment has been marked by significant milestones. He claimed the FIA Formula 3 championship in 2018, followed by winning the Formula 2 championship in 2019 while racing for Prema. His ascent to Formula 1 came in 2021 when he signed as a full-time driver with Haas. During his time in F1, he scored his first points at the 2022 British Grand Prix and achieved his best race finish of sixth place at the Austrian Grand Prix. Although his stint in F1 concluded, Schumacher has remained active in top-tier motorsport as a reserve driver for major teams including Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams.
In 2024, Schumacher made a strategic move to the World Endurance Championship, joining Alpine’s lineup. His progress in endurance racing has been notable, with his first podium finish coming at the six-hour race in Fuji. He continued to demonstrate his skill with two additional podiums in 2025 at prestigious venues Imola and Spa-Francorchamps. This endurance racing experience has honed his versatility and endurance, qualities that will serve him well in the physically demanding IndyCar environment.
RLL President Jay Frye expressed high enthusiasm about Schumacher’s signing, emphasizing both his talent and character. “Opportunities like this are rare, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everything come together,” Frye said. “Mick is an exceptional talent on the track and an outstanding young man off of it. We are very proud to have Mick as part of the RLL family.” Such endorsements highlight the team’s confidence in Schumacher’s ability to contribute meaningfully to their success.
One