Regardless of opening lap contact that despatched him crashing out within the season finale, Dennis Hauger formally secured the 2026 IndyCar Rookie of the Yr title. Driving the #19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda, he edged out Mick Schumacher by 15 factors to say prime rookie honors.
The 23-year-old Norwegian’s marketing campaign featured eight finishes within the prime 15, headlined by two top-10 drives, together with a season-best eighth-place end on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway highway course. He earned 5 top-10 begins throughout the 18-round calendar, together with two Quick Six qualifying appearances – highlighted by a third-place begin in his collection debut at St. Petersburg. He additionally flashes front-running tempo by main laps on the ovals at Phoenix and Milwaukee.
Reflecting on securing the highest rookie honors after the ultimate checkered flag, Hauger opened up concerning the emotional rollercoaster of his debut season.
“It is clearly been a little bit of a curler coaster this yr as a rookie,” Hauger stated. “Yeah, to turn out to be the Rookie of the Yr and get that title is fairly particular to me. It will probably solely occur as soon as. To have the ability to get it, yeah, it is fairly particular,” Hauger stated. “Simply need to say a giant due to Staff Honda, everybody supporting me this yr. It has been, as I stated, a little bit of a curler coaster. Even with a DNF, we nonetheless bought the title. Tremendous glad and grateful.”
Hauger’s transition into North America’s premier open-wheel championship was aided by figuring out nearly all of the tracks a yr in the past when he captured the 2025 Indy NXT championship with a dominant run of six wins and 11 podiums in 14 races. Nevertheless, there was nonetheless loads to regulate to within the step up.
“To start with, quite a lot of new experiences as a rookie, attempting to study one thing each weekend. I really feel like I’ve achieved that. That is been one among my key factors. Simply attempting to get higher and higher,” Hauger stated. “Clearly we had a very good begin to the yr with that P3 qualifying. It has been going up and down as I sort of would anticipate. General fairly glad. I really feel like I’ve proven what I can do at instances.
“Clearly want I may do it extra usually generally. That is a part of the sport. However yeah, simply been an unimaginable expertise being an IndyCar driver for the primary time, first yr.”
Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing
Photograph by: Brandon Badraoui / Lumen through Getty Photos
When contemplating his greatest progress space throughout the grind of the schedule, Hauger emphasised technical execution and group synergy.
“I believe the primary factor taken from this yr is simply tips on how to work with the group, tips on how to work on the technical facet with the automobile, as effectively, figuring out a bit extra what I need and wish for the long run,” Hauger stated.
“Additionally I believe teamwork, group ethic as a bunch is tremendous necessary, particularly when we have now such an extended season with 18 weekends, 18 rounds. It takes a toll on everybody. To have a superb ambiance, to work effectively collectively, yeah, to have an all-around good yr is tremendous necessary I believe.”
Looking forward to the 2027 season, Hauger stays unconfirmed for a seat however feels absolutely ready to take the subsequent step.
“I do not actually know precisely what the long run brings but for me,” Hauger stated.
“I do know I’ve the capabilities to do one thing good. I really feel like I’ve gained quite a lot of information this yr. I imply, simply beginning off once more subsequent yr in St. Pete with, yeah, all of the expertise I’ve now, I really feel like it can take me a giant step ahead already there. That will be fairly cool to get that chance.”
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– The Motorsport.com Staff