Schumacher IndyCar Move: Marko Warns of “Serious” Dangers

Mick Schumacher eyeing Indycar switch despite danger warnings from Helmut Marko

A move to Indycar could be just what Mick Schumacher needs to restart his racing career – but it comes with serious risks, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.

“That would be too dangerous for me,” Marko admitted when discussing the high-speed American series.

Schumacher recently got his first taste of Indycar machinery during a test at Indianapolis with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. While the session went well, the team has already filled all three seats for next year, leaving the German driver hunting for opportunities elsewhere.

## Dangerous speeds and unfamiliar ovals

Marko believes the switch could benefit the 26-year-old driver but didn’t hold back about the dangers.

“The series is a good series, it’s very competitive,” Marko told Sport.de. “[It could be] a good step for the German. He had a very encouraging test there.”

“If he feels comfortable in America, learns the oval tricks – and he’ll need a few races for that – then it will certainly go well.”

But racing on ovals presents unique challenges that European drivers aren’t familiar with.

“That would be too dangerous for me,” Marko continued. “At an average speed of up to 340 km/h, there’s a risk of serious accidents. In such a case, it’s usually a major crash.”

F1 doors seem firmly shut for Schumacher, who was dropped by Haas at the end of 2022 after two difficult seasons.

He spent 2023 as Mercedes’ reserve driver before joining Alpine in the World Endurance Championship for 2024 and 2025. An Indycar seat might be his best shot at reviving his single-seater career.

If Schumacher makes the jump to America, he’ll join other former F1 drivers who’ve found success there.

Alexander Rossi (ex-Manor Marussia) and Marcus Ericsson (former Sauber and Alfa Romeo driver) have both won the prestigious Indy 500 since crossing the Atlantic.

The Indycar paddock isn’t without its own drama. Four-time champion and this year’s Indy 500 winner Alex Palou is currently battling McLaren in a $21 million court case over contract disputes.

While Schumacher looks westward, America’s brightest hope is heading in the opposite direction. Nine-time Indycar race winner Colton Herta will compete in F2 with Hitech next year, eyeing a potential future Cadillac F1 seat.

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.