(Motorsport-Total.com) – This weekend, the legendary Indianapolis 500 takes place in the USA. For the first time this year, former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher will also start there. His father Michael Schumacher, on the other hand, always consciously refrained from participating in the Indy 500 during his own career.
Read more Smedley: Slow reactions at the command post «unacceptable»
At the beginning of the 2000s, “Schumi” explained in an interview with CBS: “First of all, it is a step backwards compared to Formula 1. And secondly, it is too dangerous.” In addition, the seven-time world champion made it clear: “I have nothing to prove there. I don’t see any challenge in it.”
Years later, brother Ralf Schumacher echoed the same sentiment, advising his nephew Mick against switching to the IndyCar series. “If it were [my son] David, I would resist it because it would simply be too dangerous for me,” he said in 2025 on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast by Sky.
Michael Schumacher explained it at the time like this: “If you have an accident, when you drive so close to the wall at such speeds, there is no chance that a chassis can withstand a certain crash. That means your legs get badly injured – or worse.”
Read more Unexpected success: Verstappen reveals details about his maiden victory
Nevertheless, over the years there have been repeated Formula 1 drivers who also started at the Indy 500. With Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Jacques Villeneuve, five Formula 1 world champions were even able to win at least once in Indianapolis during their careers.
In 2026, besides Mick Schumacher, Alexander Rossi, Takuma Sato, Marcus Ericsson, and Romain Grosjean will also be starting at the Indy 500, four other drivers who have also previously competed in the top class.
By the way, Michael Schumacher also drove in Indianapolis – but only on the Grand Prix circuit where Formula 1 was held between 2000 and 2007. The legendary oval was always too dangerous for him.
Read more Formula 1 Upgrade: With this plan, Cadillac wants to chase Aston Martin in Canada