Mick Schumacher returned to single-seaters during the IMS IndyCar test session. The former F1 driver made his IndyCar debut with Rahal Letterman Lannigan Racing this past weekend. Schumacher discussed his potential future in IndyCar during a media session that included Pit Debrief.
Mick Schumacher on returning to single-seater racing in IndyCar
After completing his F1 stint with Haas, Schumacher joined endurance racing. He is currently completing his second season in WEC with Alpine Endurance Team. However, the German driver continues to express his passion for single-seater racing.
When asked about what attracts him to IndyCar, Schumacher responded, “It being similar to a single-seater or it being a single-seater. I think that’s what’s kind of attracting me to it.
“I love having open wheels. One of the things my dad always said was, ‘The Schumachers are usually faster if they can see their wheels.’ So I kind of do like that quote.
“Yeah, I think it’s just the appeal of racing 17 times a year.”
Mick Schumacher emphasizes importance of driver ability in IndyCar
Schumacher expressed enthusiasm for IndyCar following his test session with RLL at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He stated he enjoyed IndyCar’s emphasis on driver ability compared to other racing series.
“I think probably the one word that stuck the most with me, that somebody told me who works here in IndyCar, that the most important aspect of that team or of making a decision is the driver at the end of the day.
“The fact that they rely so heavily on the driver is something that really spiked my interest and made it interesting for me to come out and try.”
Will joining IndyCar affect Mick Schumacher’s potential return to F1?
In recent years, we’ve seen several drivers move from Formula 1 to IndyCar. Former F1 drivers on the IndyCar grid include eight-time race winner Alexander Rossi and Indy500 winner Marcus Ericsson.
However, it appears less common to go from IndyCar to Formula 1. Former Andretti driver Colton Herta is currently in the process of trying to obtain an F1 seat, signing as a test driver for Cadillac F1 team.
When asked by Pit Debrief about the potential to return to F1 following a full-time IndyCar stint, Mick Schumacher responded, “I do not believe that [IndyCar] would be in the way of coming back, no.
“I think IndyCar has great talent and great people racing in it. I don’t think it would stop somebody from moving back to Formula 1.”
Mick Schumacher’s racing options for 2026
Schumacher remained coy when discussing his racing options for 2026. He stated that he currently has multiple options available to him, and he is taking his time to consider them.
“I think in terms of what I’m doing in [2026], it’s very open. Obviously the options are all there. IndyCar is one of them, so I really just wanted to know what it was so that I can make my mind up.
“I have different options, and this being one of them, so I think there is good potential. It’s about me now trying to figure out what I want to do and if this is one thing that I would consider for long-term.”
When asked about his potential to join the IndyCar grid for the 2026 season, Mick Schumacher responded, “I won’t go into detail, because I don’t think it’s really necessary. Yeah, I do have the options and, again, IndyCar is one of them, as is some other ones out there.
“It’s a matter of me trying to just figure out what I want to do. Again, I probably won’t take too long to make that decision. Then, yeah, I’ll make sure to let everybody know.”
