Mick Schumacher is set to tackle a new challenge as he prepares for his first IndyCar test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 13.
While the outing on the Speedway’s road course won’t guarantee the 26-year-old German a full-time seat in the NTT IndyCar Series, both sides are hopeful it could pave the way for a bigger opportunity in 2026.
Schumacher will get behind the wheel of one of RLL’s Honda-powered Dallara DW12s, joining the team founded by three-time IndyCar champion and 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal.
The current lineup includes Rahal’s son Graham in the No. 15 Honda and IndyCar Rookie of the Year Louis Foster in the No. 45 Honda, with Devlin DeFrancesco having driven the No. 30 Honda this season.
Excitement and Curiosity from Schumacher
Schumacher expressed his enthusiasm about the test, highlighting both the challenge and the historic setting.
“I am very much looking forward to driving my first IndyCar test,” said the son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher.
“A big thank you to the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team for giving me this opportunity. The same goes for driving this car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time, a race track with a big history and that my dad has driven on before.
“I am excited to see which special features it holds.”
He also reflected on the distinct driving experience he expects to encounter on his maiden IndyCar test.
“I am very curious to understand the special features and characteristics of this race car, which is different from the cars I am used to driving, yet similar, and I remain very interested in gaining experience in the diverse world of motorsport.
“Great to be able to see what it is all about and how difficult it is, since I hear a lot about how tough it is physically.
It is not a secret that I am big fan of single-seater racing after all, so this first IndyCar test will be an experience to treasure, and I am very much looking forward to driving a car where I can see my wheels.”
Schumacher, who made 43 F1 starts with Haas between 2021-’22 before taking a reserve role with Mercedes, is currently competing in the Alpine FIA WEC Hypercar program.
His ongoing interest in open-wheel racing makes IndyCar a natural avenue if the test goes well.
RLL Leadership Welcomes Schumacher
According to RACER’s Marshal Pruett, the upcoming test was arranged by RLL’s new president Jay Frye, who joined the team in April, and former RLL BMW driver Dirk Muller, who advises Schumacher.
Frye emphasized the significance of the occasion.
“This is an amazing opportunity for RLL to test an elite talent like Mick and bring two legendary motorsports families together.”
Mick Schumacher with advisor and former RLL BMW driver Dirk Muller.
Bobby Rahal added his own excitement about seeing Schumacher behind the wheel:
“I have followed Mick’s career from afar as well as that of his father so the thought of seeing him in one of our race cars is very exciting,” said the American motorsport legend.
“I think it’s going to be a great day for RLL and also for Mick, as he gets his first experience in an IndyCar. Obviously, he’s got a great deal of talent and knowing that we’ve had pretty good setups for the IMS road course, it should give him a good baseline to start from.”
Schumacher’s fans will be watching closely to see if their driver can translate his F1 and WEC experience into a strong showing in IndyCar, potentially opening the door to a new chapter in his racing career.
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