The son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher has taken on a new racing career after being dropped from the Formula 1 paddock completely, announcing his move to IndyCar full time for the 2026 season.

Mick Schumacher will compete for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing alongside Graham Rahal and Louis Foster.

After leaving Haas at the end of the 2022 F1 season, Schumacher joined Mercedes as a reserve driver and returned to the racing last year with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.

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Mick Schumacher of Alpine Endurance Team looks on.

Mick Schumacher has been driving for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship.  LAT Images

Following two years in endurance racing, Schumacher now embarks on a new career chapter with a move to IndyCar.

“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.

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Mick Schumacher of Haas F1 attends the Drivers Press Conference ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico.

Mick Schumacher drove for Haas in Formula 1.  Getty

“I was 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.”

But not all agree on the American switch. In 2002, Schumacher’s father said he had no interest in trying out the Indy 500 or IndyCar in general.

“First of all, it’s a step down from Formula 1, and second, it’s too dangerous,” Michael said of the category.

“The speed you do, that close to the walls – if you have an accident, there is no way a chassis can survive a certain way of having a crash.

“That means your legs are going to be heavily damaged, or even further. I don’t see any point in that. I have nothing to prove there, I don’t see a challenge in it.

“Usually the people who cannot survive in Formula 1, they go to Indy. People coming from Indy hardly survive in Formula 1.”

But for his son, Mick has been vying for a full time seat in a single-seater category and this may be his only window of opportunity. His first IndyCar race will be on March 1, 2026 for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.