Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Gears Up for 2026 IndyCar Season with New Driver Lineup
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) is entering the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with a refreshed driver lineup and a renewed sense of optimism. The season kicks off on Sunday, March 1, at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and will be broadcast on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
A New Era for RLL: Introducing Mick Schumacher
Joining veteran Graham Rahal and rising star Louis Foster is newcomer Mick Schumacher, a former Formula One driver. Schumacher will pilot the No. 47 Honda, replacing Devlin DeFrancesco. The number selection was a unique process, as Schumacher initially requested No. 4, but it was already taken by Caio Collet at AJ Foyt Racing. His second choice, No. 7, was unavailable due to Christian Lundgaard at Arrow McLaren. He combined the numbers to arrive at No. 47.
2025 Season Review: Building Momentum
The 2026 season builds on promising performances from 2025. Graham Rahal demonstrated strong speed, qualifying second at the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and leading 49 laps. He also showcased impressive recovery drives, finishing fourth at Portland after starting 22nd. Louis Foster, in his rookie season, earned the NTT P1 Award at Road America and finished 11th in multiple races, earning Rookie of the Year honors. DeFrancesco achieved a best finish of 11th at the Indianapolis 500, leading the first 17 laps.
Behind the Scenes: Strategic Enhancements
RLL has bolstered its team with key personnel additions. Jay Frye, team president, has hired Gavin Ward as a special advisor, Brian Barnhart as senior vice president of operations, and Kyle Sagan as pit stop manager. Barnhart will serve as Rahal’s strategist during race weekends.
St. Petersburg and Beyond: The 18-Race Schedule
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg marks the beginning of an 18-race schedule, including the historic 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Following St. Petersburg, the series moves to Phoenix Raceway on March 7, then to Arlington, Texas on March 15.
RLL’s Strength at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course has been a particularly strong track for RLL in recent years. The team has consistently achieved top-10 finishes there, with Graham Rahal securing a second-place finish. The team is poised for success at this venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the drivers for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2026?
A: Graham Rahal, Louis Foster, and Mick Schumacher.
Q: When does the 2026 INDYCAR SERIES season start?
A: Sunday, March 1, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Q: Where can I watch the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg?
A: FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Q: What is new for RLL in 2026?
A: The addition of Mick Schumacher and key personnel changes, including Gavin Ward, Brian Barnhart, and Kyle Sagan.
Did you know? Conor Daly was the last driver to use the No. 47 in an IndyCar race, doing so at Indianapolis in 2021.
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