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After Schumacher collision: Sharp criticism of Sting Ray Robb

Sotd Editor

Sting Ray Robb takes Mick Schumacher and Santino Ferrucci out of the race after four corners – who is the driver who is also viewed critically by fans?

Mick Schumacher was diplomatic in his comments after his early exit from the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida. His fellow driver Santino Ferrucci, who was also knocked out of the race by Sting Ray Robb’s reckless braking, took a very different view, harshly criticizing the 24-year-old.
“You know, it’s kind of strange—we all sit together and talk about it at the drivers’ meeting or at the drivers’ presentation: Let’s be careful on the first lap. And every season there are a few of us who do that, and then there are a few of us who just forget where the braking zone is. So, no, it’s really a shame,” said the A.J. Foyt Racing driver.

“Our car was fast, and we’re trying to get the guys and the car on TV and finish in the top 10 to generate some attention. It’s just a shame when something like this happens,” he continues.

He had already criticized Robb’s actions during the race, but the interview with FOX was incomplete due to a microphone problem. “It’s a 100-lap race with three stops. Everyone has different strategies. There’s no reason for such maneuvers in the first lap,” he said in the audible passages of the interview.

Robb received a penalty for the maneuver, but it had little sporting significance as he lost five laps anyway due to repairs. He finished the race in 21st place, last of all those who saw the checkered flag.

With faith funds in the cockpit

Sting Ray Robb is considered a pay driver in the IndyCar series. His dowry for the 2026 season is estimated at up to nine million US dollars. In his early years, Robb competed with the support of Pray.com, a religious-oriented online platform, among others.

He performed well in his junior career: in 2015, he won a karting championship in the USA, and in 2020, he became champion in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship (now USF Pro 2000), the third step on the IndyCar ladder and most comparable to Formula 3.

Accordingly, Indy Lights (now Indy NXT) was the next step in his career as a stepping stone to IndyCars. Robb finished runner-up in 2022 behind Linus Lundqvist, who competed in one season with Ganassi in IndyCars in 2024.

Robb made the leap to a full-time cockpit in the 2023 IndyCar season. In his three years with Dale Coyne Racing, A.J. Foyt Racing, and, since 2025, Juncos Hollinger Racing, his performances have remained modest. His best results so far are two ninth places, and he finished 23rd, 20th, and 25th in the overall standings. At the start of the 2025 season, Robb signed a two-year contract with Juncos Hollinger Racing, but was not confirmed for the 2026 season until early December 2025. Only Romain Grosjean’s signing with Dale Coyne Racing was announced later. The relatively late confirmation fueled speculation in the paddock that his team was looking for alternatives, wondering if someone would buy him out of his contract.

Malicious reactions from fans

Sting Ray Robb is also viewed critically by the American audience. After Juncos Hollinger Racing signed Rinus “VeeKay” van Kalmthout early for the 2026 season, it was clear that either Robb or fan favorite Conor Daly would have to go. Ultimately, the team decided to drop Daly.

Accordingly, Robb is not being spared by IndyCar fans on social media after the incident. There are numerous mocking comments under IndyCar’s official accident video.

“The American version of Lance Stroll,” one user scoffs—well aware that the Canadian does not necessarily enjoy the best reputation in Formula 1. One response to this comment is: “Lance isn’t that bad.” Another user simply states: “Stingray does Stingray things.”

At least those involved will have a quick opportunity to put the accident behind them. The 2026 IndyCar season continues this Saturday (March 7) at Phoenix Raceway.

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