Ex-Formula 1 driver
Later shock: This is how Mick Schumacher’s debut in the traditional race went
May 25, 2026 – 12:32 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
Mick Schumacher started the “Indy 500” from position 27. What followed was a competitive race – with a bit of luck.
Mick Schumacher survived a late moment of shock at his debut at the legendary Indy 500 and demonstrated his resilience. The son of Formula 1 record world champion Michael Schumacher brought his racing car to the finish line shortly before the end after 200 spectacular laps and a contact with the track barrier.
The 27-year-old started the dangerous motorsport classic 27th out of 33 starters and eventually improved to 18th position. The Swede Felix Rosenqvist from Meyer Shank Racing secured victory after a restart just five laps before the end.
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His lead in a stunning finish over David Malukas at the Penske on Sunday was just 0.0233 seconds. It was the closest triumph in the long Indy 500 history.
First German driver in 103 years
Schumacher was the first German racing driver to compete on the famous oval circuit in 103 years. After Hollywood star Brendan Fraser flagged off the race in front of more than 300,000 fans with the green flag, the German initially fell behind. But the newcomer to the US IndyCar Series did not allow himself to be disturbed by several interruptions following spins and crashes.
Eight laps before the end, Caio Collet from AJ Foyt Racing also hit the wall with the right side of the car. His wrecked car caught fire and skidded into the grass. With the help of the stewards, the Brazilian was able to get out of his car and gave the all-clear with a thumbs up. The race was briefly interrupted. Schumacher, who works for the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team, then brought his car to the finish line unscathed.
At the driver presentation, the former Formula 1 driver was introduced as coming from “Switzerland”. After all, Schumacher was born in Switzerland. Then it got emotional as the pilots and fan base remembered Kyle Busch before the 500 miles. The two-time Nascar champion died just days earlier at the age of 41.
