HMD Motorsports is entering the 2026 INDY NXT season with a fresh driver lineup and renewed ambition to challenge Andretti Global’s recent dominance. The season kicks off on Sunday, March 1, on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, where HMD will unveil its new roster in hopes of shaking up the standings. This preview focuses on the team’s prospects and the strategic changes shaping their approach.
Reflecting on HMD’s 2025 Performance and Driver Highlights
The 2025 season was a mixed year for HMD Motorsports, marked by some strong individual performances but overall inconsistency. Caio Collet stood out by contending for the championship, securing three wins, four second-place finishes, and nine podiums. Josh Pierson was the only other driver among the top ten, finishing sixth in the standings. Additional podium finishes were earned by Juan Manuel Correa with a third-place in Detroit and Evagoras Papasavvas with second at Barber Motorsports Park. The team deployed 14 drivers throughout the year, including full-time efforts from Hailie Deegan and Tommy Smith. Though 2025 saw an improvement with three wins and 13 total podiums, the team is seeking greater steadiness after a highly varied driver roster.
Significant Changes Shaping the 2026 Campaign
Nearly the entire 2026 team differs from last year, as HMD rebuilds following the departures of key contributors. Collet has moved up to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with AJ Foyt Racing, while Pierson transferred to Andretti Global within INDY NXT. The new lineup consists of four drivers with notable international experience and potential. Enzo Fittipaldi, 24, leads the group; he is the grandson of two-time Formula One World Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi. Enzo brings recent successes from Formula 2 and the European Le Mans Series, consistently clocking top times at tests held at Barber Motorsports Park and Sebring International Raceway. Joining him is 17-year-old Australian Jack Beeton, the 2023 Formula 4 South East Asia champion who competed in Formula Regional Europe last season. Polish driver Tymek Kucharczyk, 19, enters as the reigning Euroformula Open champion. Completing the team is Salvador de Alba, a two-time NASCAR Mexico Series champion who recently claimed his first INDY NXT victory at the Milwaukee Mile and earned a pair of second-place results to finish fifth overall in the previous two seasons—all with Andretti-affiliated teams.
HMD’s Strategy to Challenge Andretti Global’s Dominance
HMD’s 2026 roster reflects a clear intent to mirror the successful European development pipeline leveraged by Andretti Global in securing Dennis Hauger’s 2025 INDY NXT championship. Three of the four drivers bring extensive European racing backgrounds, although none have prior experience on American circuits. This bold recruitment effort is backed by new technical partnerships with Cusick Motorsports and AJ Foyt Racing, emphasizing a comprehensive overhaul to end Andretti’s two-year hold on the title. Hidalgo de Alba’s inclusion is key, providing a blend of valuable oval experience and proven versatility, making him an essential asset as the team navigates unfamiliar territory with its rookies.
Spotlight on Tymek Kucharczyk’s Personal Ambition
Poland’s Tymek Kucharczyk carries not only the hopes of his team but also the legacy of his country’s most prominent racing figure, Robert Kubica, who logged 99 Formula One starts and won the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. Kucharczyk’s goal is to establish himself in American open-wheel racing with hopes of eventually advancing to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Reflecting on his aspirations, he said,
“My hero is me in five years,”
and added,
“I’m trying to be as close to what I want to become as possible.”
What the Future Holds for HMD Motorsports in 2026
HMD Motorsports enters 2026 amid anxious anticipation, with an intense mix of fresh talent and renewed determination to dethrone Andretti Global. The team’s new alliances and driver acquisitions suggest a restless and urgent push to regain consistency and capture the championship trophy. How quickly these drivers adapt to American circuits and the demands of INDY NXT will likely define HMD’s season trajectory. Their commitment to a largely European-based driver lineup signals a strategic evolution that could reshape the competitiveness of the series, making the opening races in St. Petersburg a must-watch for fans anticipating a change in the series’ landscape.
