Mick Schumacher to Make IndyCar Debut with RLL Racing in 2026

Mick Schumacher will enter American open-wheel racing in 2026 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing as part of a full-season IndyCar program. His move comes after time as a reserve driver for Mercedes in Formula 1 and a recent run with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. Schumacher’s Formula 1 journey ended with Haas in 2022, and limited opportunities for a return pushed him to find a new racing path outside Europe. His IndyCar deal was confirmed after a private test on the Indianapolis road course, where team co-owner Bobby Rahal noted that Schumacher handled the car well and adapted to the conditions. Schumacher will drive the #47 Dallara DW12 with Honda power for all 17 rounds, including the Indianapolis 500.

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Schumacher will race alongside Graham Rahal and Louis Foster, the 2025 Rookie of the Year. His arrival fills the seat previously held by Devlin DeFrancesco as Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing works on expanding its lineup with more international experience.

The team has already started preparations for the 2026 season. Schumacher will take part in additional oval testing to gain experience on tracks that are unique to IndyCar and different from the circuits he has raced on so far.

This shift continues Schumacher’s path across different racing categories. He scored 16 points during his Formula 1 career with Haas, with a best finish of sixth at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix. His time in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine added three overall podium finishes, helping him build a broader racing profile before returning to single-seaters.

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The 2026 IndyCar season will begin on 1 March with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Schumacher’s move to the US comes at a time when Formula 1 seats remain limited, with teams looking for drivers already active in development programmes. His entry is expected to attract interest from European fans and strengthen IndyCar’s growing global reach.