The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is rapidly approaching, kicking off on Sunday, March 1 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (noon ET, broadcast on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network). As teams prepare, a closer glance at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) reveals a blend of established talent and exciting new additions poised to make a significant impact. The team’s driver lineup for 2026 consists of Graham Rahal in the No. 15 Honda, rookie Louis Foster in the No. 45 Honda, and the highly anticipated addition of Mick Schumacher piloting the No. 47 Honda.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing enters the new season following a 2025 campaign marked by moments of strong performance. Graham Rahal, a veteran presence within the team, demonstrated his continued competitiveness with a second-place qualifying effort at the Sonsio Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, ultimately finishing sixth. He also showcased impressive recovery drives, notably finishing fourth at Portland after starting from 22nd position. Throughout the year, Rahal consistently reached the Firestone Swift Six qualifying round at Detroit, Road America, and Toronto, ultimately concluding the season 19th in the standings. Foster enjoyed a successful rookie season, highlighted by earning the NTT P1 Award at Road America, where he led three laps before finishing 11th. He also secured an 11th-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, starting from third position. His performance earned him the series Rookie of the Year honors, finishing 23rd in the overall points standings. Devlin DeFrancesco, previously RLL’s third driver, finished 26th in the standings, with a standout 11th-place finish in the Indianapolis 500, where he impressively led the first 17 laps of the race.
Schumacher Joins RLL, Ushering in a New Era
A significant change for RLL in 2026 is the arrival of Mick Schumacher, who replaces Devlin DeFrancesco and will race in the newly designated No. 47 Honda. Schumacher spent the 2025 season competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. His transition to INDYCAR marks a new chapter in his racing career. The number change wasn’t straightforward; Schumacher initially requested his preferred number, 4, but it was already claimed by rookie Caio Collet at AJ Foyt Racing. His second choice, 7, honoring his father Michael Schumacher’s seven Formula One championships, was unavailable as it’s used by Christian Lundgaard at Arrow McLaren. He settled on No. 47 by combining his preferred numbers, a number last used by Conor Daly at Indy in 2021.
Behind-the-Scenes Enhancements Strengthen the Team
Beyond the driver lineup, RLL has focused on bolstering its operational strength. Team president Jay Frye has brought in three experienced veterans to key roles: Gavin Ward as a special advisor, Brian Barnhart as senior vice president of operations, and Kyle Sagan as pit stop manager. Barnhart will specifically serve as Graham Rahal’s strategist during race weekends, bringing a wealth of experience to the team’s decision-making process. These strategic hires signal RLL’s commitment to optimizing performance across all facets of the operation.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course: A Track for RLL to Conquer
Looking ahead, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course stands out as a particularly promising venue for RLL. The team has consistently performed well there in recent years, achieving eight top-10 finishes and an 11th-place result in the last five races. Former RLL driver Christian Lundgaard achieved four top-four finishes at the track, and Graham Rahal has secured top-10 results in five consecutive races, including a second-place finish. Given this strong track record, a victory at the IMS road course in 2026 feels within reach for the team.
The 2026 season promises to be a dynamic one for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. With a seasoned driver in Graham Rahal, a promising rookie in Louis Foster, and the exciting addition of Mick Schumacher, the team has a strong foundation for success. The strategic off-season hires further reinforce their commitment to competing at the highest level. As the series prepares for the first race at St. Petersburg, all eyes will be on RLL to see if they can translate their potential into consistent results and championship contention.
The next scheduled event for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, 2026. Further updates on team preparations and race results will be available on the official INDYCAR website.
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