In a major career shift, Mick Schumacher – the son of Formula One icon Michael Schumacher – has secured a full-time drive in the NTT IndyCar Series for 2026, marking his official transition to American open-wheel racing.
The 26-year-old German driver has signed a deal with the prestigious Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) team, where he will pilot the No.47 Honda alongside teammates Graham Rahal and 2025 Rookie of the Year Louis Foster.
From F1 Paddock to American Ovals
Schumacher brings a wealth of experience from the top echelons of global motorsport. He contested 43 Formula One Grands Prix with the Haas team between 2021 and 2022, achieving a best finish of sixth place. After losing his seat, he served as a reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 squad before moving to the FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine in 2024, where he secured three podium finishes in 16 starts.
His new IndyCar team, co-owned by renowned US television host David Letterman, officially announced the signing on Monday. The move represents Schumacher's determined effort to return to competitive single-seater racing.
Embracing the IndyCar Challenge
The 2026 IndyCar calendar presents a unique challenge, with six of its 17 races held on high-speed ovals and super-speedways, including the legendary Indianapolis 500. This is a stark contrast to the purpose-built road and street circuits familiar in F1.
In a team statement, Schumacher expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting his diverse racing background. "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.
He also voiced immediate excitement for the American racing style, noting, "I was also immediately excited about the car and the American way of motorsport, which comes across as being more about pure and direct racing. It is precisely this aspect that I am very much looking forward to."
A Family Legacy and New Beginnings
The move carries a poignant historical footnote. Schumacher's father, the seven-time F1 world champion Michael, famously raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but on the circuit's hybrid road course layout. In 2002, Michael was openly critical of the iconic Indy 500, calling it a "step down from Formula 1" and "too dangerous."
This sentiment was recently echoed by Mick's uncle, Ralf Schumacher, who stated he still believes IndyCar is "too dangerous" and would not want his own son to compete in the series.
Despite family concerns, Mick is fully committed. His path to the RLL seat was paved by a successful test on the Indianapolis road course in October. Team co-owner Bobby Rahal confirmed the positive impression Schumacher made, stating, "Everyone walked away from that event determined to do what we could to bring Mick into our program."
Rahal added, "I think I speak for everyone at RLL when I say how thrilled we are to welcome Mick to the team and to IndyCar." The team has announced plans for an oval test for the German driver in the near future, a crucial step in preparing for the unique demands of superspeedway racing.
The 17-race 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season is scheduled to commence on March 1, 2026, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida.
