Mick Schumacher completed his first oval laps in an IndyCar on Wednesday ahead of his first season stateside.
The experienced driver is returning to open wheel racing in 2026 with a seat with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and has been learning the details of his latest task.
Already confident and eager for the new challenge after his first test, the 26-year-old felt even better after spending a day testing out the banking at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“It’s different,” said Schumacher after he climbed from the car. “The orientation was a bit of a difficulty in the beginning, knowing what side of the track I’m on and which corner I’m in at the moment.
“After that, you kind of get the hang of it. It’s very new to me, so getting acquainted with the procedures and how it feels on track.
“I spoke a great deal with Ryan [Briscoe] about what we should expect. We did a lap in the minivan yesterday, that was pretty funny. We had a great preparation for it.
“I’ve been with the team for a couple days looking forward to this test. Not only this test but also the tests that are coming after.
“I think we’re in a very good spot. We’re ready, well prepared.
“Towards the end I felt like I was in a very good spot in terms of confidence, in terms of how I was approaching the corners.
“I think it’s a great place to come and do your first test. The weather is great, conditions are a bit tricky here and there with the wind blowing and gusting. It’s a good place to start off and have my first experience.”
Testing the waters
Schumacher has raced in many forms of motorsports, including a two-year stint in Formula 1 with Haas F1.
That experience did not give him any time racing oval tracks, however, and his experience with banking was limited to a couple specific turns at Zandvoort.
Schumacher spent the early portion of his test in southern Florida adjusting to the fact that he did not have to brake for each upcoming corner.
Later in the day he tested out different lines to see how the car reacted in each situation.
“Definitely trying out different lines,” described the German. “Going the high line, low line, trying to see what the differences are.
“I guess here because we’re alone, the track condition varies a little bit. It seems like the low line is my preferred line, so that line is pretty clean. The moment you go to the high line, it tends to slide a bit more and the car seems more loose.
“It’s trying to figure out what can I do before the first real test in Phoenix where everyone will be out on track and I will get my first real experience with the other guys.”
IndyCar’s open test at Phoenix International Raceway takes place February 17-18, and Schumacher’s first race takes place shortly after on the streets of St. Petersburg.
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