There are many celebrated names in the vast realm of motorsports, but there’s only one Schumacher. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher broke new records, shattered them, and set an entirely new benchmark for dominance by the time he stepped back in 2012. However, it’s now his son racing on the grid, in IndyCar, pursuing his career far removed from the European racing heritage where that name holds immense significance. Welcome to America, Mick Schumacher.
Life has become markedly different for the 27-year-old Swiss as he sat down for an extensive interview with The Drive during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach last month. He now resides on a ranch in rural North Texas (his family’s property, but feels as distant as Mars for someone from Lake Geneva) and drives an hour and a half just for groceries. Yet, even that pales in comparison to the drastic change in what he’s racing—the No. 47 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Only four years ago, Mick was competing in Formula 1, making the best of driving for a struggling Haas team and perpetually faced with comparisons to his father. His stint in the premier series ended in 2022 after two challenging seasons, and regardless of opinions about his inconsistent performance, those conditions weren’t ideal. The man can drive; he clinched the F2 championship in 2020.
Nevertheless, it speaks volumes that Mick chose to step away from F1, the very pursuit he dedicated his life to, after sitting on the sidelines in 2023 as a reserve driver for McLaren and Mercedes. One could easily envision someone in his position, bearing his name, clinging to F1’s sphere and squandering prime years waiting for another opportunity. But Mick had a craving to race. He transitioned to the World Endurance Championship to compete for Alpine in 2024 and 2025, showcasing his talent with several podium finishes before feeling the urge to return to open-wheel cars. Just different ones.
Currently, he sits five races into his debut IndyCar season with RLL, gearing up for his first Indianapolis 500, and acclimating to life as a 27-year-old rookie with much to absorb. He ended up 17th in Long Beach, contributing to a reasonable start that might have been smoother had he not fractured his wrist in the collision that took him out of the season opener. Nonetheless, it’s evident he’s excited to be here, pursuing his own path, and the future is uncertain. In our discussion before the race, he shared insights about his new life in the US, preparations for the 500, and what it’s like to drive out from underneath his father’s legacy.
Jerry Perez: This is a significant shift for you, not just in the type of car you’re racing but also relocating to the U.S. How are you adjusting? How do you feel?
Mick Schumacher: It’s certainly very different in many ways. But yes, it’s been incredibly interesting, quite enjoyable. For me personally, it’s also about growth. On the racing front, it’s undoubtedly a significant change, particularly working with the people here in IndyCar. It feels almost reminiscent of the go-kart roots, where it’s very personal and quite traditional. I’ve had a lot of fun, and I’m genuinely enjoying it.
I assumed you might have relocated to Indy, but it sounds like you didn’t. Was it simply easier to remain in Texas and feel more at home?
I suppose so. Even back in the day, whenever I was away for more than two weeks, I’d think, ‘Oh, I want to return home, I miss it.’ But yes, being near family is likely better. Indy would feel rather unfamiliar to me. While many drivers love living there, I think I would still feel less at home than in Texas. Honestly, the thing I miss most from home is the food. The nearest Whole Foods Market we shop at is about an hour and a half away, right? That makes for a long drive just for grocery shopping.
For Texans, that’s not especially far; that’s just down the street.
Haha! For me, you know, five minutes would be ideal timing. It feels like you have to drive longer than you would spend there, which makes it tough where we are in Texas.
The IndyCar season has a unique rhythm, different from what you’re used to. What are your thoughts on the pace?
When I first looked at it, I thought, ‘Wow, it’s a very condensed season, quite a brief season’ because we finish racing in September. I’d prefer it to be a bit more extended, perhaps into November, since that would shorten the downtime. The one thing I genuinely enjoy is racing cars, after all. However, I understand why it’s structured this way; it makes sense from their perspective. Additionally, it opens up opportunities for us drivers beyond IndyCar. Personally, I opted to focus solely on IndyCar this year; I didn’t want to be sidetracked, and honestly, I was pretty content to have a break after the season. I simply wanted to ensure I don’t commit to anything I might regret later. Perhaps next year I’ll adopt a different strategy, but for now, I think this has been perfectly fine.
Whenever I attend a race in Europe, people frequently ask me about IndyCar and how the fans can get remarkably close to the action. I once spoke with Fernando Alonso during his time at the 500, and he needed Indiana State Troopers to escort him from the garages to the paddock bathrooms because people would swarm him during that brief walk, and he found it very irritating. It was a distraction he wasn’t accustomed to. Have you made peace with this, and do you view it as an advantage or disadvantage?
I believe the current arrangement of the [IndyCar] championship is likely a positive. I mean, I see no reason why it would be negative to allow people to come in and observe. At the level Formula 1 operates and the popularity it commands, I believe it wouldn’t be feasible [to provide similar access]. We’ve seen instances at F1 races where one might assume people would be reserved, yet they end up being quite overwhelming. Here, in IndyCar, unlike F1, I can still navigate around, and individuals are generally considerate if you tell them, ‘Hey, I don’t really have the time right now.’ They’ll let you pass. I’m not aware of Alonso’s experiences during the 500—I haven’t done a 500 yet—so I can’t comment. It will be thrilling to see how it plays out for me. I don’t plan on having any state troopers accompany me.
You say that now.
Yeah, perhaps we’ll need to! We’ll see. If not, we can always have fun! No, it’s been fine so far. I think it’s just different; it’s a different mindset. I still need to do my job and be in a position where I handle circumstances like this.
Speaking of the 500, you were there as an observer last year, and then you had your first attempt. You have one more testing session before the big event. Have you taken the time to reflect on what the month of May will entail for you as an Indy 500 competitor for the first time?
Not really. I probably won’t. I think I’ll simply let it develop naturally. However, I recall not enjoying when I did Le Mans for the first time two years ago, and everyone was saying, ‘Oh, it’s going to be amazing, it’s going to be this wild experience.’ And I thought, ‘Alright, we’ll see how it goes.’ Truthfully, I wasn’t overly excited. I don’t like the idea of treating one race as a single-event championship. Yes, the 500 will likely be one of the most spectacular races ever due to the crowd, but I believe every race should have that energy, considering how incredible our sport is, and I genuinely love racing. As an enthusiast of the sport, I’d prefer to support it wherever it goes. Does that make sense? I never want to approach it as, ‘Oh, I just want to attend the Indy 500, and that’s it.’
Has Graham or anyone else guided you on what to expect?
I specifically recall Louis [Foster] mentioning it was the most terrifying experience of his life. Oh, fantastic! Honestly, I think we’ll have a great time. The short ovals have been enjoyable. I attended Homestead, and it was a fantastic track; it was fun, but not an overwhelmingly scary experience for me. In Indy, we’ll be running with low downforce, so that will definitely be a first. I’m sure Graham will provide excellent insight regarding the low-downforce package and how we’ll need to manage cooling, and I look forward to listening to him and observing his approach during that weekend.
You’re now a Honda driver. Honda is a major name in racing; if it’s competing, it usually excels. What has it been like collaborating with HRC and individuals like David Salters?
It’s been wonderful. I’m enjoying the competition among the manufacturers, and being with Honda in IndyCar has been fantastic. I feel they pay meticulous attention to every detail to ensure we’re in the best position possible. Dave [Salters] has been fantastic—he’s been very supportive. He worked on my dad’s car during his final season [at Ferrari], so it’s been great to reconnect, discuss that time, and gain his perspective on working in F1 and now in IndyCar. It’s amusing how our paths intersect like this.
[Author’s note: For obvious reasons, Mick has been closely shielded from inquiries about his father by his family and management and has previously declined to engage in such discussions. It’s not a topic to approach lightly, but his journey is intertwined with the triumph and sorrows of Michael’s life. At this point in our conversation, I shifted away from typical racing topics and introduced a recent interview on Racer.com where third-generation driver Marco Andretti discussed his experiences following in the footsteps of his grandfather Mario and father Michael Andretti.
Somewhat unexpectedly, Marco was candid about the pressure associated with his surname, the feeling of not measuring up, and the unwelcome attention it brings—which I commend him for stating openly. It seemed vital to ask Mick the same question, and credit to him for answering gracefully.]
Marco expressed quite openly how being a third-generation driver often stripped the joy from racing since he was always compelled to match the standards set by his father and grandfather. He constantly felt the weight of his last name. Have you ever felt this way? Do you think racing is less pleasurable for you because of the ongoing comparisons to your father’s accomplishments?
No, not in the slightest. I’m immensely proud of what my dad accomplished, and he’s the best for valid reasons. He invested considerable effort pouring hours upon hours to achieve what he did, and making sure the car was always in its prime state. My goal is to look at his journey and follow it, ensuring that what I do aligns with my own path. I’ve never felt pressure to duplicate what he did or try to outdo him; there’s none of that simply because from a young age, my dad has always been present to support me, never pushing me to pursue anything he deemed unbeneficial.
That’s why, often, I ended up just having a mechanic instead of my dad managing things for me when I was in go-karts, as he preferred to step back and say, ‘I’ll support you in whatever you need, but I’ll enjoy my racing elsewhere while you have your fun and then we can reconnect afterward to discuss it.’ It’s never been to the extent of him saying, ‘You should do this, you should do that.’ It was an excellent approach. I loved it, and if my children decide to pursue racing in the future, I would replicate his approach precisely.
What’s your daily driver back home?
I don’t actually have a car yet.
So, how do you manage a 1.5-hour drive to Whole Foods?
I borrow my sister’s car [laughs].
Do you have any toys you enjoy taking out on weekends when you’re back in Switzerland?
Absolutely. We have some fantastic cars I adore driving, but I don’t really take them onto a track—I simply drive around in them. Recently, I purchased a drift car that meets full FIA specifications. It’s an HGK E92 with an LS7 engine. The other cars are merely really nice and enjoyable to have, but I don’t put too many miles on them.
How do you like spending time away from the track?
It depends on the weather and location, I suppose. When I’m in Switzerland, I’d likely take the little motorhome—it’s a Sprinter—along with my dog and head into the mountains or do something outdoors in nature. That’s always wonderful. Here, it’s a bit trickier. I’d go golfing or engage in activities that are quite enjoyable for me currently. If I were by the coast, I’d probably go surfing.
Lastly, just to get your insights, what are your thoughts on the ongoing drama regarding F1 regulatory changes, with various drivers mentioning it feels like Mario Kart? Any reflections on how things have evolved since your time there?
On paper, they [FIA] always anticipated something of this nature occurring, but F1 is known for, in my opinion, having an incredibly swift and effective means of improving things. If you observe from what we commenced with in 2022 to where we concluded in 2025 [under the previous regulations], there was a substantial transformation in the quality of the cars by the end of that rule set. I’m confident that by later this year, they will be implementing changes to enhance the current situation.
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**Mick Schumacher Talks About His Transition to IndyCar, Life in the US, and Carving Out His Own Identity**
Mick Schumacher, the offspring of iconic Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, has begun a new phase in his racing journey by entering IndyCar. This transition signifies a substantial change from his past experiences in Formula 1 and Formula 2, where he aimed to establish his unique identity while overshadowed by his father’s remarkable legacy.
**Move to IndyCar**
Schumacher’s choice to join the IndyCar series comes at a time when he is enthusiastic about exploring various racing styles. The IndyCar series, renowned for its high-speed ovals and challenging road tracks, presents a unique set of challenges that differ from the European circuits he is familiar with. In various interviews, Mick has voiced his excitement about the competitive spirit of IndyCar, viewing it as an opportunity to evolve as a driver while learning from a diverse array of talents.
The transition hasn’t been without its obstacles. Getting accustomed to the car dynamics, grasping the complexities of oval racing, and forging new relationships with engineers and team members all contribute to the learning process. Nonetheless, Schumacher maintains a positive outlook, perceiving these hurdles as crucial steps in his growth as a racer.
**Lifestyle in the United States**
Moving to the United States has significantly changed Schumacher’s lifestyle as well. Immersing himself in American culture, he has taken time to explore the country, from its bustling cities to its picturesque scenery. The relocation has enabled him to experience a different lifestyle, which he finds revitalizing and stimulating.
Mick noted that the camaraderie among IndyCar drivers and teams is a far cry from his experiences in Formula 1. He values the more laid-back ambiance that fosters a community among competitors. This fresh environment has not only aided his adaptation to his racing career but also played a role in his personal development.
**Carving His Own Path**
A central theme in Mick Schumacher’s journey is his aspiration to distinguish his own identity apart from his father’s legacy. While he acknowledges the benefits and challenges that accompany being Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick is resolute in making a name for himself based on his own abilities. He emphasizes the significance of hard work, commitment, and perseverance in realizing his aspirations.
In interviews, Mick frequently contemplates the pressures associated with his surname but remains concentrated on his love for racing. He intends to honor his father’s legacy while simultaneously forging his own route in motorsport. This commitment to individuality is reflected in his racing approach and his interactions with fans and the media.
**Final Thoughts**
Mick Schumacher’s move to IndyCar marks a pivotal moment in his career. As he navigates the intricacies of a novel racing series, adapts to life in the United States, and strives to define his individual identity, he stays focused on his objectives. With determination and a readiness to learn, Mick is set to make a notable impact in the world of motorsport, demonstrating that he is more than merely a name; he is a skilled driver in his own right.