Mick Schumacher's uncle Ralf remains critical of 'dangerous' IndyCar move

Ralf Schumacher is finding it difficult to change his stance about the 'dangers' of IndyCar racing despite his nephew, Mick Schumacher, committing to the American series for 2026. The 26-year-old has joined Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for next season.

Schumacher had been racing in the World Endurance Championship for two years with Alpine. However, he couldn't wrap his head around being away from open-wheel racing since his F1 exit at the end of 2022. Consequently, he tested with RLL at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on October 13 this year.

The prep and test went smoothly, with Mick Schumacher finding a new "home" in IndyCar for 2026. Unfortunately, his uncle Ralf, a former F1 driver, who had warned him about the dangers of racing on IndyCar's ovals before that test, reiterated his stance after the announcement of Mick joining RLL earlier this week.

Speaking about his nephew's move on the Sky podcast Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher said (as quoted by Krone):

"My stance on the matter is clear. I'm sticking with it. I still consider IndyCar very dangerous, but I understand he's young, he wants to prove himself."

While his fear preceded a clear assessment of the situation, the 50-year-old made peace with his nephew wanting to prove his worth in IndyCar.

"I believe he has the talent for it, even if he has to adapt his driving style. But I'm happy for him if that's the path he takes," he added.

An IndyCar career will be Mick Schumacher's second attempt to find his feet in the open-wheel racing world after failing with Haas during his two-year F1 stint. However, the 26-year-old is ready to take the challenge head-on despite having no oval experience.

The 17-race 2026 IndyCar schedule comprises six oval races, including the 110th Indianapolis 500. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has yet to finalize the technical and support team for Schumacher, but is planning an extensive testing schedule, including four preseason tests on ovals.

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Mick Schumacher provides a clear reason to dismiss concerns about IndyCar's oval racing

Mick Schumacher at the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Source: Getty

Mick Schumacher gave a clear reason why the concerns many F1 drivers have about racing on IndyCar ovals aren't that serious. His dad, Michael Schumacher, had the same safety concern when he was asked about potentially attempting the Indy 500 during the early 2000s.

However, when the junior Schumacher was asked in a press conference on Tuesday if he weighed the perceived risk of IndyCar before committing to the switch, he replied:

"I think motorsports, on the whole, is dangerous, so I don't really see why, particularly, that one thing should be more dangerous than anything else. Obviously, there's been multiple things, and Jay has been a big part of that, in making oval racing or just racing in IndyCar safer, and therefore we've had multiple conversations about that, and they've all been positive to my ears."

"So yeah, that's why I ultimately took the decision, and I don't think there's really... of course it's not to be taken on the easy shoulder. I don't take it on the easy shoulder. I think that it is crazy speeds; it is super quick. We're obviously racing hard side by side. But I accept the risk for the enjoyment of the racing's sake," the German driver added.

Mick Schumacher has no IndyCar tests lined up this year. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing's testing plans for him will kick off in January next year in the lead-up to the season opener in St. Petersburg on March 1.