Romain Grosjean, known for achieving ten podium finishes in Formula 1, is preparing to return to the IndyCar Series as a full-time driver. On February 13, Dale Coyne Racing revealed that Grosjean will drive the No. 18 Honda in the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series, backed by sponsors OnlyBulls and Bitcoin MAX. This announcement marks Grosjean’s planned full-time return to IndyCar after a year without a permanent ride.
Partnership with Dennis Hauger Shapes Team Lineup
For the 2026 season, Grosjean will be teamed with Dennis Hauger, the reigning 2025 Indy NXT champion, who will pilot the No. 19 Honda. This pairing of an experienced driver with an emerging talent aims to create a strong competitive dynamic within Dale Coyne Racing. Team owner Dale Coyne emphasized the strategic value of the combination, saying,
“Pairing an exceptional rookie in Dennis with a proven veteran like Romain gives us a strong competitive foundation,”
and added,
“Bringing back key pieces of our history while building new global partnerships positions us well for 2026.”
Grosjean’s Journey and Recent IndyCar Seasons
The upcoming season will be Grosjean’s second full stint with Dale Coyne Racing, having first driven for the team during his rookie 2021 campaign. Following that, he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Andretti Autosport before parting ways. Grosjean secured a last-minute drive with Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2024 season, but was released at its conclusion and replaced by Conor Daly. Without a full-time contract for 2025, Grosjean chose to become a reserve driver for the newer PREMA Racing team, keeping his connection to IndyCar intact.
Technical Collaboration Supports Future Plans
Supporting Grosjean and Hauger’s efforts, Dale Coyne Racing announced a technical partnership with Andretti Global following Hauger’s signing. This collaboration is expected to enhance the team’s overall competitiveness as it looks ahead to the 2026 season.
Outlook on Grosjean’s IndyCar Return
Grosjean’s return to full-time IndyCar racing with a familiar team and promising rookie teammate represents a hopeful step in revitalizing his career. As Dale Coyne Racing blends experience with youth and new partnerships, the 2026 season could be a pivotal year for Grosjean’s success in the series and the team’s aspirations.
