Mick Schumacher is opening a new chapter in his motorsport career in the USA. The 26-year-old is now focusing fully on the IndyCar series. But: Mick is still far from giving up on his dream of Formula 1.
Mick Schumacher does not believe that his move to the American racing series IndyCar will block his possible path back to Formula 1.
From now on he will be driving a single-seater again, said Schumacher in a digital press conference and emphasized: “I don’t see why the move to IndyCar should close the door.”
The former Formula 1 driver does not recognize any particular danger that his uncle Ralf Schumacher senses in the oval races in America. Racing is generally dangerous, said Schumacher: “I don’t see why it should be more dangerous than other (series).” He doesn’t take the whole thing lightly. “The speed is crazy, but I accept the risk.”
Video: “Mick is no longer burdened with the name Schumacher”
Mick Schumacher with the same number as in Formula 1
The IndyCar season starts on March 1, 2026 in St. Petersburg/Florida. The highlight of the season – the legendary 500 Miles of Indianapolis – takes place on May 9th. Schumacher competes for the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team.
“It’s so exciting that we were a little too early,” joked Schumacher, referring to a social media faux pas by the racing team. The German’s involvement in the IndyCar Series was accidentally made public on Monday, instead of on Tuesday as planned.
Schumacher also commented on the length of his contract. How long his working paper with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is valid still needs to be discussed, he said.
As in his two seasons in Formula 1, Schumacher will also fight for points in the USA with starting number 47. The former Formula 3 and Formula 2 champion made the jump to the premier class in 2021, driving for the US team Haas at the time.
At the end of the 2022 season, he did not receive a new contract from then Haas team boss Günther Steiner. Instead, the South Tior native brought Nico Hülkenberg back into Formula 1. Schumacher then worked as a reserve driver for Mercedes. In 2024 and 2025 he competed in the WEC endurance series for Alpine.