Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced Nov. 24 that Formula One and World Endurance Championship veteran Mick Schumacher will join its NTT INDYCAR SERIES team as a driver for the entire 2026 season.
Schumacher, son of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, will drive the No. 47 Honda for RLL, a number that carries symbolic meaning as it is a nod to his father and his family. Sponsorship details will be announced at a later date. He joins Graham Rahal and 2025 series Rookie of the Year Louis Foster in the team’s driver lineup for next season.
The Swiss-born Schumacher, 26, first tested an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car Oct. 13 with RLL on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
“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,” Schumacher said. “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.”
While Schumacher is no stranger to racing on road and street courses, he will add oval racing to his resume in 2026 as six of the 17 races in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES will take place on circle tracks, including the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 24. RLL is planning an oval test for Schumacher in the near future.
“I think I speak for everyone at RLL when I say how thrilled we are to welcome Mick to the team and to INDYCAR,” RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said. “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.”
Schumacher made 43 F1 starts for Haas F1 Team in 2021-22, with a best finish of sixth. He then moved to Alpine in 2024 and 2025 to race for its factory WEC program, resulting in three podium finishes.
“I’m delighted to welcome Mick Schumacher to the RLL family, a young man who has competed against some of the world greatest racers,” RLL co-owner David Letterman said. “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.”
Initially competing under the pseudonyms Mick Betsch and Mick Junior, Schumacher finished runner-up to Enaam Ahmed at the junior direct-drive Karting World Championship and Karting European Championship in 2014. Graduating to junior formula competition in 2015, Schumacher finished runner-up in both ADAC F4 and Italian F4 in 2016. After finishing third in the MRF Challenge Championship in 2016-2017, Schumacher moved to FIA European Formula 3, winning the championship with Prema in 2018. Progressing to FIA Formula 2 for 2019, Schumacher won the title in 2020 with Prema.
He became a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2019 and went on to participate in rookie testing for Alfa Romeo and Haas in F1 in 2020 before signing with the latter as a full-time driver in 2021.
“What a great addition to our team!” team co-owner Mike Lanigan said. “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!”
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 1 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. All 17 series races in 2026 will be televised live in the United States on FOX.
