A racing legacy is joining the IndyCar grid for the 2026 season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Mick Schumacher, the 26-year-old son of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, hopes to earn points in a new series beginning March 1 on the streets of St. Pete. Mick has earned points in Formula 1, won F3 and F2 and competes in the World Endurance Championship for Alpine.
He ran a test with RLL last month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway between the final two WEC races. He felt IndyCar provided a great option, this three hours into his maiden voyage into the series.
“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,” Schumacher said. “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.”
He will drive the No. 47 for RLL, joining a three-person team alongside Graham Rahal and 2025 Rookie of the Year Louis Foster. Thus, the future of Devlin DeFrancesco is in doubt as the 25-year-old Canadian will not return after finishing 26th in the full-time field of 27 drivers despite the announcement of a multi-year deal in December.
Schumacher was the FIA Formula 3 champion in 2018 and then won the Formula 2 championship in 2019 while racing for Prema. He signed with Haas as a full-time Formula 1 driver in 2021 and then scored his first points at the British Grand Prix in 2022. His best finish was sixth at the Austrian Grand Prix.
He since has been a reserve driver for Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Williams.
Schumacher moved to WEC in 2024 with Alpine. He earned his first podium at Fuji in the six-hour races and added two more in 2025 at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps.
“Opportunities like this are rare, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everything come together,” RLL president Jay Frye said. “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.”
Schumacher has certainly handled road and street courses but will make an oval debut, and race the 2026 Indy 500.
What Rahal Letterman Lanigan owners said about Mick Schumacher
Bobby Rahal: “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: “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 RLL is limitless. I’m very excited for the 2026 season. Still waiting for my seat fitting.”
Mike Lanigan: “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!”
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Racing legacy joining IndyCar’s RLL, signaling end for full-time driver
Reporting by Aaron Ferguson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
