Following a year out of the sport, Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as the final full-time driver on the 2026 IndyCar grid; it also marks a return to Dale Coyne Racing in the process.
The 39-year-old started his career Stateside with this team in 2021. He took an emotional and memorable pole at IMS, his biggest moment since that terrifying crash at the F1 Bahrain GP a few months previously. P2 in the race was a very strong result.
Grosjean moved to Andretti for 2022. He added a further two podiums in 2023. In a fight for the victory with Scott McLaughlin at St. Pete in the season-opener, the pair tangled as the Kiwi was on cold tyres coming out of the pits and trying to defend down into turn 4. Both ended up in the tyres.
Following his departure from Andretti, the Frenchman competed for Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2024. In his one year with the team, he had a best finish of P4 at Laguna Seca. Once again there was plenty of flashes of speed, but a big podium result never came.
Last year Grosjean was a reserve for PREMA Racing as he could not find a seat or the budget required to stay on the grid.
The rapid French driver will be hoping to end a 15-year run without winning a single-seater race.
Dale Coyne comments on Romain Grosjean returning to the team and the 2026 IndyCar grid
“Pairing an exceptional rookie in Dennis with a proven veteran like Romain gives us a strong competitive foundation. Bringing back key pieces of our history while building new global partnerships positions us well for 2026.”
Milton ‘Todd’ Ault:
“I cannot tell you how excited we are to welcome Romain Grosjean both to the race team and to Bitcoin MAX as the first global brand ambassador.
“Romain is the perfect global representative for the brand. His story and professionalism embody what we stand for.”
Romain Grosjean will have rookie and 2025 Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger as his teammate at Dale Coyne Racing. The Frenchman will pilot the #18, with the Norwegian in the #19.
