Schumacher Considering INDYCAR
Photo by Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment
By Dennis Krause
Mick Schumacher has a decision to make.
The 26-year-old son of 7-time Formula One World Driving Champion Michael Schumacher is considering a move to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and was one of seven drivers taking part in a test, Monday, on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 14-turn, 2.4-mile road course.
Schumacher, driving the No. 75 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, has 43 F1 starts to his CV and currently races for the Alpine Endurance Team in the World Endurance Championship.
His initial thoughts after a full day of testing?
“Yeah, it's been obviously good, good to get to know the car, get to know the team,” Schumacher said. “I think we managed to get through all the run plan and the test items we wanted to do, so obviously very happy with that.
“I think we're stoked about what the lap times are doing, and I think it wasn't a main target, but still it went pretty well. Yeah, happy about today.”
In preparation for the test, Schumacher spent the weekend with the RLL team doing simulator work and a seat fitting before his sessions on track. Afterwards, Schumacher felt he got pretty much everything he wanted out of the weekend and Monday’s test.
“Yeah, for sure. I think it was a great preparation. I think it was really important for me to kind of get to see how a race weekend would run out, and I think it was kind of close to that.
“It was good to have the time with the team also back in the factory before I came out to the test,” Schumacher continued. “The simulator itself was a great opportunity for me to get a taste of the car before actually driving it, so it wouldn't be a complete surprise, even though it wouldn't have been. It was actually pretty close to what I'm used to and what I've driven before.
“So, very productive and very happy about the preparation we've done.”
Photo by Chris Jones/Penske Entertainment
With his test completed, Schumacher says INDYCAR is now an option for him in 2026, but that he also has yet to make up his mind.
“I think in terms of what I'm doing in '26, it's very open. Obviously the options are all there. I think INDYCAR is one of them, so I really just wanted to know what it was so that I can make my mind up.
“I have different options, and this being one of them, so I think there is good potential. It's about me now trying to figure out what I want to do and if this is one thing that I would consider for long-term.”
While he wouldn’t divulge what his other options were, Schumacher said the appeal of INDYCAR was getting back into a car with open wheels, recalling something his father said.
“It being a single-seater, I think that's what's kind of attracting me to it. I love having open wheels. I think one of the things my dad always said was, the Schumachers are usually faster if they can see their wheels. So I kind of do like that quote. Yeah, I think it's just the appeal of racing 17 times a year.
“I think probably the one word that stuck the most with me that somebody told me who works here in INDYCAR, that the most important aspect of that team or, let's say, of making a decision is the driver at the end of the day. The fact that they rely so heavily on the driver is something that really spiked my interest and made it interesting for me to come out and try.”
Photo by Chris Jones/Penske Entertainment
So, what are the chances of Schumacher racing in INDYCAR next year?
“I still have got to let everything sink in a bit, figure it out, and yeah, I guess make a decision down the line,” Schumacher said. “It's hard to say how high the percentage is. Today has been very fun, but yeah, I guess I've got to analyze a bit more and see what that would look like.
“I do have the options and, again, INDYCAR is one of them, as is some other ones out there.
“It's a matter of me trying to just figure out what I want to do. Again, I probably won't take too long to make that decision. Then I'll make sure to let everybody know.”
Dennis Krause has spent decades covering all forms of motorsports, including over 40 Indianapolis 500s, with stints at WIBA Radio, PIT PASS - Radio’s Premier Motorsports Magazine and Motorsports Minute. Follow him on X @DennisKrause500 or motorsportsminute.bluesky.social or motorsportsminute on Threads or MotorsportsMinute+ on Facebook.