Mick Schumacher’s rookie conqueror receives long-term IndyCar contract

– A.J. Foyt Enterprises has secured the services of Dennis Hauger with a multi-year contract starting from the 2027 season. The 23-year-old Norwegian defeated Mick Schumacher in 2026 in the battle for the “Rookie of the Year” title in the IndyCar series and will take the wheel of the Dallara-Chevrolet #14 next year.

Read more «Completely ridiculous»: Why does Formula 1 run a sprint in Monaco?

Hauger, jokingly dubbed the “Norwegian Nightmare” by US commentators, came to the USA in 2025, dominated Indy NXT with six wins, and claimed the title as a rookie before seamlessly moving up to the IndyCar series.

His European success record includes the Italian Formula 4 Championship in 2019, the Formula 3 title in 2021, five wins in Formula 2, and an extended period in the Red Bull Junior Team.

For team president Larry Foyt, Hauger’s versatility is decisive: Dennis has already achieved a lot for a 23-year-old. Every time he has moved to a new series, he has adapted quickly and won.”

“That he came to the USA and won as a rookie in Indy NXT definitely caught everyone’s attention. And then we watched him develop through his rookie season in IndyCar.”

“I am very excited,” says Hauger. “Larry and I had very good conversations about the team and where the journey should go. I have learned a lot in my first two years in America, but I feel there is still much more for me to learn and achieve in IndyCar.

“The team has a great history in this sport, but what fascinated me even more was what they are building for the future now. I want to work hard with everyone there and see how far we can go.”

Read more New Engine: Charles Leclerc Faces Grid Penalty in Baku

“We have spent a lot of time talking about where this team should develop,” says Foyt. “We are investing in our staff, our technical side, and our commercial program because we want to keep moving forward. Dennis is a big part of this plan.”

That it is now a Norwegian driving the patriotic car #14 is a twist of fate. But it also means that Santino Ferrucci apparently has to look for a new cockpit – or will only compete in the Indy 500. The American, who completely lost it at the 2018 Formula 2 race in Silverstone, had a disappointing 2026 season outside the Indy 500.

It is considered unlikely that Ferrucci, who fits perfectly with the #14 image-wise, will switch teams internally. Rumors suggest Foyt is trying to set up a smaller program with him.

The second car with the #4, driven by Caio Collet in 2026, is still unoccupied. Collet is said to have earned a second season, but apparently lacks sponsors.

This leaves only four full-time cockpits free in the 2027 IndyCar season, assuming Christian Lundgaard at Ganassi: two cockpits at Juncos Hollinger (possibly only Hollinger in the future) and two at Dale Coyne Racing.

Read more Puzzle at VR46: Di Giannantonio has only been able to use one Ducati for three races