Mick Schumacher has given clarity on how long he intends to race in IndyCar, having joined Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the 2026 season. The German racer will return to open-wheel racing, his first love, after over three years away since leaving F1 at the end of 2022. Ad His F1 debut was memorable because the initials ‘MSC’ returned to the timesheets for the first time in over a decade, since his father Michael Schumacher’s retirement in 2012. However, Mick Schumacher’s time at Haas wasn’t all flowery. After 43 F1 race starts, including a career-best P6 finish, he was let go from the American team. Schumacher’s time with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship in 2024 and 2025 was more rewarding, with three podiums in two seasons. However, his heart longed for a return to open-wheel racing, which IndyCar will fulfil in 2026, with him joining RLL on a one-year contract. Ad Trending In an interview on the Marshall Pruett podcast on YouTube, the No. 47 RLL driver was asked if he envisioned a future in IndyCar past 2026. “I wouldn’t say no to it,” the 26-year-old replied. “Obviously, I haven’t done the first race, or I haven’t done any sort of race yet. I’ve just done one test so far, so I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think this was something that I want to do long-term. So I will start the season, see how it feels, and I’m sure if I feel the same way I feel right now, this definitely can be a home for a while.” Ad For Mick Schumacher, IndyCar was the next best thing after F1. He hopes it facilitates his dream of racing in a premier open-wheel racing series and proving his worth. “As a driver, I think you always want to compete in the best championship possible. In my case, obviously, F1 wasn’t possible, and I felt that IndyCar was the best thing where I could show my potential and do well, potentially. I’m just happy to be in this place now,” the German added. Ad IndyCar reminds Mick Schumacher of the “good old karting days” Mick Schumacher’s first experience of IndyCar with RLL at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course turned out to be exactly what both parties expected from the other. The feedback he received from a couple of other experienced IndyCar drivers about the wheel-to-wheel racing that the series offers also hit the right note. Ad IndyCar racing tends to be more competitive than F1, with ten times the overtakes across a full season. “Yeah, I think it (IndyCar) reminds me a little bit of good old karting days,” Schumacher said in a press conference on Tuesday. “I think pretty similar to how WEC racing was. There’s a lot of side-by-side and maybe a little touch here and there. From what I understand, the cars are pretty robust, as well, when it comes to side-by-side action, and I’ve talked to a couple other drivers, and they really enjoy the racing side of things.” Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has an extensive testing schedule planned for Mick Schumacher, with four oval tests, two road course tests, and a street course test before the first race of the 2026 season in St. Petersburg on March 1. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Stay updated with the 2025 IndyCar schedule, standings, qualifying, results today, series news, and the latest IndyCar racing news all in one place. Edited by Yash Kotak.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/indycar/news-mick-schumacher-gives-indycar-contract-clarity-searches-new-home-f1
Tag: indianapolis
Colts’ Coach Predicted To Make History For First Time In 13 Seasons
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen entered the 2025 NFL season on the hot seat following a lackluster first two years with the organization and ongoing concerns surrounding the quarterback position. The situation intensified when the Colts signed Daniel Jones to compete for the starting quarterback job, adding more drama to an already uncertain outlook.
However, the opposite of expectations has unfolded in Indianapolis. Steichen is currently leading the Colts to the best record in the NFL, and Daniel Jones is playing like an MVP candidate. With an impressive 8-2 record and a potential franchise quarterback now in his hands, Steichen has effectively removed himself from the hot seat and secured his future in Indy.
### Shane Steichen: Candidate for Coach of the Year?
Before becoming the head coach of the Colts, Shane Steichen served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Steichen’s offenses were prolific, averaging 26.1 points per game in 2021 and 28.1 points per game in 2022.
Following Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season, Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick released his top five Coach of the Year candidates and ranked Steichen as the frontrunner. Kadlick praised Steichen’s leadership, writing:
> “The top spot on the list has to go to Shane Steichen, whose Colts shockingly hold onto the AFC’s No. 1 seed through the first 10 weeks of the season. Steichen has been crucial in the redevelopment of Daniel Jones, another scrapheap quarterback, while helping lead the Indianapolis offense to a league-leading 32.1 points and 396.9 yards per game.”
He added:
> “Defensively, Indy still has room to improve (the addition of Sauce Gardner should help), but overall, the Colts’ 2025 turnaround has been arguably the league’s most impressive, and Steichen deserves the credit—and perhaps an award at season’s end—for leading the charge.”
Steichen’s journey from worrying about his job security to becoming a top Coach of the Year candidate highlights just how much he has transformed the Colts in a single season. With eight games still remaining, if the team maintains its success, Steichen will likely remain one of the most serious contenders for the prestigious award.
The last Colts head coach to win Coach of the Year was Bruce Arians in the 2012 season.
### Reviving Daniel Jones’ Career
The key to the Colts’ resurgence on the field has been the remarkable play of quarterback Daniel Jones. Signed to a one-year, $14 million contract, Jones faced a competitive training camp battle with Anthony Richardson, the former fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, to earn the starting quarterback position.
Jones won the job and is now putting together a career year in the AFC South. He leads the league in passing yards and ranks third among quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns. Under the guidance of Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Jones is on track to achieve career-best numbers in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Once criticized as a bust after six seasons with the New York Giants, Jones’ change of scenery has rejuvenated his career. His outstanding performance could be the key that propels the Colts into legitimate Super Bowl contention this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-shane-steichen-top-candidate-coty/
Rhamondre Stevenson misses Patriots practice with toe injury
The New England Patriots are surging as one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 NFL season. However, they recently faced a scare involving running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who is now dealing with a toe injury. ESPN league insider Adam Schefter provided an update on Stevenson’s status on Wednesday, tweeting, “Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson didn’t practice today due to a toe injury.”
This setback comes as the Patriots hold sole possession of first place in the AFC East with a 6-2 record and are riding a five-game winning streak. New England’s impressive play is winning over fans and foes alike, including Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman II, who called them a legitimate contender.
### Patriots Making Moves Amid Winning Streak
Head coach Mike Vrabel is working to breathe new life into the “Patriot Way,” which includes making last-minute roster adjustments ahead of the NFL trade deadline. On Tuesday, safety Kyle Dugger was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for two late-round draft picks—a sixth and a seventh-rounder.
Dugger isn’t the only notable departure for the Patriots. Pass rusher Keion White was also traded, landing with the San Francisco 49ers. White reunites with former Patriot Kendrick Bourne while helping to fill the gap left by the injured Nick Bosa.
Despite these changes, the Patriots are also focused on retaining key contributors. Defensive back and special teams ace Marcus Jones agreed to a three-year contract extension on Tuesday, providing a boost to New England’s defense and special teams units.
### Stevenson’s Status Uncertain for Sunday
Rhamondre Stevenson’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons remains uncertain due to his toe injury. Coach Vrabel recently criticized Stevenson for premature celebrations during the team’s recent victory over the Tennessee Titans.
In Sunday’s 32-13 win over the Cleveland Browns, Stevenson managed 34 yards on 14 carries. This season, the running back has carried the ball 83 times for 279 yards and has scored three touchdowns across eight games.
As the Patriots continue their push for the playoffs, all eyes will be on Stevenson’s health and the team’s ability to maintain momentum.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/patriots-news-rhamondre-stevenson-misses-patriots-practice-with-toe-injury
Steelers lose Deshon Elliott to injury in Packers clash
The Pittsburgh Steelers took a significant hit on their defensive front during Sunday night’s home game against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Steelers defensive back Deshon Elliott, one of the most reliable members of Pittsburgh’s defense in the 2025 NFL season, was carted off the field in the second half after suffering an apparent knee injury.
According to the NFL’s official website, Elliott was done for the night, as the Steelers finished the contest without their 28-year-old safety. Before leaving the game, the former Texas Longhorn recorded five total tackles. The Steelers entered Week 8 looking to bounce back quickly following a loss to Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7’s Thursday Night Football showdown. In that previous game, Elliott had recorded nine total tackles.
So far in the 2025 season, Elliott has amassed 38 total tackles along with a forced fumble through seven games. He sustained the injury while attempting to stop Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, who has been a standout performer against the Steelers. Elliott went down and immediately grabbed his right knee in pain.
While the Steelers have yet to release an official update on Elliott’s recovery timeline, indications suggest that he will need to miss more than just one game. Fortunately, the hope remains that he did not suffer a torn ligament or broken bone.
This summer, Pittsburgh signed Elliott to a two-year contract extension worth $12.5 million. This came after he posted a career-high 108 combined tackles, six passes defended, three quarterback hits, and a sack across 15 games (14 starts) last season.
Should Elliott be sidelined for an extended period, the Steelers will look to players like Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill, and Jabrill Peppers to step up and fill the void in the defensive backfield.
Having already used their bye week in Week 5, Pittsburgh will next face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 at Acrisure Stadium. The team and fans alike will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Elliott and a strong show of resilience from the Steelers defense moving forward.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/steelers-news-loses-deshone-elliott-to-injury-packers-clash