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Schumacher Rejects "Rookie" Label in IndyCar
18 Feb
Summary
- Mick Schumacher aims for the IndyCar championship, not just Rookie of the Year.
- He is adapting to oval racing, a new challenge in his first IndyCar season.
- Schumacher completed 109 laps at Phoenix Raceway, finishing 23rd in a test.
Mick Schumacher enters his first IndyCar season in 2026, but he is firmly against being labeled a rookie. Having two years of Formula 1 experience, Schumacher acknowledges IndyCar's unique demands, including unfamiliar American tracks and the new challenge of oval racing. He participated in the second preseason test at Phoenix Raceway, where he had an extra hour of track time during a rookie session.
During the test, Schumacher stated his intention to approach the season with a championship mindset, not as a rookie. He aims to avoid "rookie mistakes" and treat the season as a serious endeavor. Winning the championship in his debut year would place him in a rare category alongside legends like Nigel Mansell and Juan Pablo Montoya.
Schumacher completed 109 laps at the Phoenix oval, ranking 23rd among 25 drivers. He also noted the significant adjustment required for oval racing, particularly the physical demands and the use of head-support pads, which he is not accustomed to. His focus remains on adapting and performing at a high level as the 2026 IndyCar season approaches.
