Making the jump from the FIA World Endurance Championship to North American single seaters, Mick Schumacher will be in the car for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 2026 NTT IndyCar season. After beginning his career in single-seater racing, Schumacher returns to familiar territory after a two season stint on Alpine’s WEC team, with RLL for the 2026 season
Schumacher will partner Louis Foster at the team for the 2026 IndyCar season.
A start in single-seaters
Mick Schumacher’s racing career began in single seaters in Europe, making his way through the FIA Formula feeder series. After winning the Formula 2 championship in 2020, Schumacher moved to Formula 1 with Haas for the 2021 season. Following 2 consecutive season with Haas, the German driver moved onto endurance racing with Alpine. Additionally, Schumacher maintained a reserve role at Mercedes alongside his seat at the Alpine WEC team.
A taste of IndyCar
Early October 2025 saw Schumacher with his first taste of the IndyCar machinery. The 26-year old former WEC driver spent a week with the team before testing began at the IMS road course. The Swiss-born racer tested the No. 75 Honda, in what at the time was looked at as a test run for a future full time seat with Rahal Letterman Lanigan.
“So far, so good,” Mick Schumacher said to the media following the test.
Schumacher also mentioned that many conversations with other IndyCar series competitors made single-seaters in the U.S more appealing. Mentioning that the INDYCAR SERIES receives high praise from the drivers who have raced in it, like James Hinchcliffe; who Schumacher is familiar with from the F1 paddock.
Additionally, Schumacher said he wouldn’t be opposed to testing at an oval track. Noteworthy, given that his father didn’t have any interest due to the high speeds and close walls of the track type.
Now, it’s official: Mick Schumacher joins RLL for the 2026 IndyCar season. He replaces Devlin DeFrancesco.
MICK SCHUMACHER:
“I am delighted to confirm today that I will be competing in the INDYCAR SERIES next year with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, taking part in the full season. 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. RLL prepared me extremely well during testing already, and I am sure that we can build a lot together.
“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, and it is precisely this aspect that I am very much looking forward to. And of course, I am curious about new experiences and always interested in broadening my horizons. For me, a new journey is beginning here, and I am excited for the season to start.”
BOBBY RAHAL, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
“I think I speak for everyone at RLL when I say how thrilled we are to welcome Mick to the team and to INDYCAR. His test with us on the IMS road course was exceptional – he impressed every single team member. Everyone walked away from that event determined to do what we could to bring Mick into our program. We’re thrilled he’s chosen to join us, and we can’t wait to get to work.”
DAVID LETTERMAN, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
“I’m delighted to welcome Mick Schumacher to the RLL family — a young man who has competed against some of the world greatest racers. With Graham Rahal, Louis Foster and now Mick, the future for is limitless. I’m very excited for the 2026 season. Still waiting for my seat fitting.”
MIKE LANIGAN, Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
“What a great addition to our team! Mick has the skills and experience that will help enhance our overall competitiveness in one of the most competitive racing series in the world. Welcome aboard Mick!”
JAY FRYE, President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
“Opportunities like this are rare, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everything come together. Mick is an exceptional talent on the track and an outstanding young man off of it. We are very proud to have Mick as part of the RLL family.”
