IndyCar has had its most successful year since its re-formation in 2008 – Mick Schumacher’s move came at exactly the right time
Mick Schumacher’s timing for this new chapter in his career in IndyCar could hardly have been better. The US racing series experienced an upswing in its home market in 2026, recording record figures for viewing figures, event attendance and digital channels.
TV partner FOX delivered an average audience of 1.68 million viewers per race across the 18-race championship – the highest figure since the 2008 season. This was made possible by the return of all races to terrestrial television (“broadcast”), which remains more widespread in the US.
In no fewer than nine races, the audience reached exceeded one million TV viewers. The Freedom 250 in Washington D.C. even peaked at 3.5 million viewers, which represents the highest figure for a regular race outside the Indy 500 since 1995 – the last year before the infamous split.
Naturally, this figure will remain a one-off for the time being due to the exceptional nature of the 250th It will also push the average figures upwards. It will therefore be a challenge for IndyCar in 2027 to maintain the 1.68 million viewers without a second standout race.
Amidst all the jubilation, it should not be forgotten that, despite a massive decline in spectator numbers in the 2010s, NASCAR still outperforms IndyCar. After 31 races in the Cup Series, the average stands at 2.49 million spectators per race.
“This is an incredible new era for the series, characterised by growth, energy and dynamism,” says Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment. “Our partnership with FOX Sports has raised the bar for our sport.”
Attendance figures have also risen significantly at the race tracks themselves. Attendance figures rose by around 20 per cent across the calendar. The Indy 500 was completely sold out in the stands – something that had not been a given for a long time since the split – whilst the race weekend in Washington D.C. attracted 215,000 fans. Merchandise sales at the race weekends rose by almost 40 per cent compared with the previous year.
On digital channels, the series surpassed the 250 million video views mark. On YouTube, watch time rose by 41 per cent, whilst the new documentary series “All In: IndyCar” generated a total of over six million views.
In sporting terms, the season was packed with excitement: At the age of 29, Alex Palou became the youngest five-time champion in IndyCar history, whilst Felix Rosenqvist won the Indy 500 in the closest finish in the race’s history. A total of eight different winners claimed victory, whilst drivers from nine of the ten full-time teams involved made it onto the podium.
Looking ahead, the management has already unveiled the successor model, the IR-28, which is set to replace the 2012-era car from the 2028 season onwards. The car will be lighter, faster and designed to deliver even more exciting wheel-to-wheel battles. In addition, Chevrolet and Honda have extended their contracts as engine partners for several years.
“The unveiling of the IR-28 was a huge milestone for the sport, and the positive feedback from drivers and fans has been overwhelming,” emphasised IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles.
The IndyCar Series, which had been leading a rather low-profile existence in Germany for almost 20 years since the end of the Champ Car Series in 2007, has returned to the spotlight in the DACH region thanks to his participation.
The move to North America marked a historic event for the German public. Schumacher became the first German full-time driver to compete in the top US formula series since Timo Glock in 2005 (ChampCar).
Furthermore, his appearance at the legendary Indy 500 marked a historic moment: No German driver had lined up on the starting grid of the world’s most famous oval since Max Sailer, Christian Werner and Christian Lautenschlager in 1923. Schumacher will also be competing in the IndyCar Series in 2027, this time with the Indy 500-winning team Meyer Shank Racing.
