Former Formulation 1 driver Mick Schumacher will contest the complete 2026 IndyCar season, together with the Indianapolis 500, after agreeing a cope with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Schumacher will drive the Honda-powered #47 Dallara DW12 in all 17 rounds subsequent season, marking a return to single-seaters after two years racing the Alpine A424 LMDh prototype within the World Endurance Championship.
The German’s cope with RLL was introduced on Monday, only a month after he accomplished his first IndyCar check with the squad on the Indianapolis street course.
RLL is planning an oval check for Schumacher “within the close to future” to assist him rise up to hurry with high-speed banked circuits.
“I’m delighted to verify at present that I will likely be competing within the INDYCAR SERIES subsequent yr with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, collaborating within the full season,” mentioned the 26-year-old.
“Having each an F1 and an endurance background, and having competed in numerous racing collection through the years, I’ve insights and data that I’m positive will contribute to a fantastic partnership. RLL ready me extraordinarily effectively throughout testing already, and I’m positive that we will construct lots collectively.
“I used to be additionally instantly excited concerning the automobile and the American manner of motorsport which comes throughout as being extra about pure and direct racing, and it’s exactly this facet that I’m very a lot trying ahead to.
Mick Schumacher, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda
Picture by: Penske Leisure
“And naturally, I’m inquisitive about new experiences and at all times fascinated about broadening my horizons. For me, a brand new journey is starting right here, and I’m excited for the season to start out.”
Schumacher adopted his father, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, into F1 in 2021 with Haas, however was dropped by the crew after simply two seasons on account of an absence of outcomes.
Throughout his quick grand prix profession, he scored 16 factors and secured a finest end of sixth on the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.
After a yr spent totally on the sidelines in 2023, Schumacher switched to sportscar racing with Alpine final yr, becoming a member of its new LMDh programme within the WEC’s burgeoning Hypercar class.
Whereas the transfer was profitable, as he clinched three general podiums and in contrast favourably in opposition to his extra skilled team-mates, he at all times maintained that returning to single-seaters was his precedence.
As alternatives in F1 diminished, IndyCar emerged as probably the most compelling choice, whilst he thought of remaining within the WEC for one more season.
Schumacher’s departure from Alpine’s Hypercar squad was introduced final week.
Mick Schumacher, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda
Picture by: Penske Leisure
At RLL, he’ll take the place of Devlin DeFrancesco, teaming up with Graham Rahal – son of crew co-owner Bobby Rahal – and 2025 Rookie of the Yr Louis Foster.
“I feel I communicate for everybody at RLL after I say how thrilled we’re to welcome Mick to the crew and to INDYCAR,” mentioned Bobby Rahal.
“His check with us on the IMS street course was distinctive – he impressed each single crew member. Everybody walked away from that occasion decided to do what we might to convey Mick into our program. We’re thrilled he’s chosen to hitch us, and we will’t wait to get to work.”
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