Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger has officially signed with Dale Coyne Racing for the 2026 IndyCar season, as the team forms new technical partnership with Andretti Global.
This marks a huge step in Hauger’s racing career as he steps up from Indy NXT, where he secured the championship with an extraordinary rookie season performance, to one of the most competitive open-wheel racing series in North America.
The 22-year old Norwegian driver enters the IndyCar Series with a strong track record of success and promising potential to make a name for himself among the elite.
Hauger’s junior racing career started in karting at the age of five in his native Norway before moving on to Europe’s premier feeder series where he delivered exceptional performances before making waves in the American racing scene.
He claimed the Italian F4 Championship title in 2019, followed by winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2021, and then spent three competitive seasons (2022-2024) in FIA Formula 2, taking multiple race wins and podiums.
The extensive experience in European formula racing honed his skills and prepared him well for the leap to Indy NXT and now the IndyCar Series.
In his 2025 rookie year with Andretti, Hauger demonstrated exceptional pace and consistency, clinching six race victories, five additional podium finishes, seven pole positions, and a total of 13 top-10 finishes across 14 races.
Hauger secured Indy NXT championship victory at the penultimate race of the season held at the Milwaukee Mile, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure throughout the season.
“I’m excited to be joining Dale Coyne Racing for my rookie IndyCar season,” Hauger said. “The progress the team has shown this year is really impressive, and it’s an honor to take my place on the grid with them in 2026.
“It’ll also be nice to see some familiar faces through the team’s technical partnership with Andretti Global. They’ve been a big part of my success since making the switch, so having their involvement in another rookie season for me will be great.
“I’m looking forward to contributing and starting this next chapter together.”
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For the 2026 IndyCar season, Hauger will drive a Honda-powered car as Dale Coyne Racing also announced a new technical partnership with Andretti Global, which plays an important role in supporting his rookie campaign.
This alliance ensures the young driver will have access to the technical resources and familiar team personnel from Andretti, his 2025 Indy NXT team, creating a seamless transition for the young driver as he steps up to the premier series.
“This is a great opportunity for us here at DCR to bring on a talented driver and gain a strong technical partner in Andretti Global,” said team owner Dale Coyne. “Thanks to Dan and his belief in our sport and his dedication to elevating Dennis to the top of the ladder.”
Dennis Hauger will get his first laps in IndyCar machinery during off-season testing at Mid-Ohio later this year, before making his race debut at the 2026 IndyCar season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, scheduled for March 1.
The team is yet to confirm Hauger’s teammate for 2026, as reports claim current drivers Rinus VeeKay and Jacob Abel are exploring opportunities outside Dale Coyne Racing.
VeeKay finished 14th in the final 2025 IndyCar championship standings, his best being a second place finish at Indy Toronto, while Abel finished at the bottom after struggling throughout his rookie campaign.
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