Mick Schumacher began a new chapter in his career this weekend as he made his IndyCar debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

The 2026 IndyCar season opened on the streets of St Petersburg, where Scott McLaughlin started the race from pole position. Schumacher lined up 21st on the grid and was hoping to work his way through the field during the race.

However, his debut came to a very early end.

In the opening corners, Sting Ray Robb from Juncos Hollinger Racing braked too late and made contact with Santino Ferrucci ahead of him.

Schumacher was running to the left of Ferrucci and had nowhere to escape. In the chain reaction that followed, he clipped the rear of Ferrucci’s car.

Both Schumacher and Ferrucci were forced to retire from the race due to the damage, while Robb was able to continue.

The former Haas driver will have a chance to bounce back next week, when he makes his first oval appearance in IndyCar at Phoenix.