Mick Schumacher makes IndyCar switch with RLL in 2026

Former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher will contest the full 2026 IndyCar season, including the Indianapolis 500, after agreeing a deal with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Schumacher will drive the Honda-powered #47 Dallara DW12 in all 17 rounds next season, marking a return to single-seaters after two years racing the Alpine A424 LMDh prototype in the World Endurance Championship.

The German’s deal with RLL was announced on Monday, just a month after he completed his first IndyCar test with the squad at the Indianapolis road course.

RLL is planning an oval test for Schumacher “in the near future” to help him get up to speed with high-speed banked circuits.

“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,” said the 26-year-old.

“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.

Mick Schumacher, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

“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.”

Schumacher followed his father, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, into F1 in 2021 with Haas, but was dropped by the team after just two seasons due to a lack of results.

Across his short grand prix career, he scored 16 points and secured a best finish of sixth at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.

After a year spent mostly on the sidelines in 2023, Schumacher switched to sportscar racing with Alpine last year, joining its new LMDh programme in the WEC’s burgeoning Hypercar class.

While the move was successful, as he clinched three overall podiums and compared favourably against his more experienced team-mates, he always maintained that returning to single-seaters was his priority.

As opportunities in F1 diminished, IndyCar emerged as the most compelling option, even as he considered remaining in the WEC for another season.

Schumacher's departure from Alpine's Hypercar squad was announced last week.

Mick Schumacher, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

At RLL, he will take the place of Devlin DeFrancesco, teaming up with Graham Rahal - son of team co-owner Bobby Rahal - and 2025 Rookie of the Year Louis Foster.

“I think I speak for everyone at RLL when I say how thrilled we are to welcome Mick to the team and to INDYCAR,” said Bobby Rahal.

“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.”