Hauger's first successful IndyCar test

The reigning Indy NXT champion was part of an evaluation day at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, allowing teams to benefit from an additional day of testing for drivers who had not raced in IndyCar in the past or very little, like Felipe Nasr, who drove for Team Penske. Caio Collet (AJ Foyt Racing), Niels Koolen (Chip Ganassi Racing) and Kakunoshin Ohta (Meyer Shank Racing) were also part of the group.

Unlike his teammates, Hauger took part in these tests knowing that he will be competing as a regular driver for Dale Coyne Racing next year, a team that has just entered into a technical alliance with Andretti Global. It was the first time that the young Norwegian had driven a car of IndyCar.

“It’s really great,” said Hauger. “It’s an incredible experience to drive an IndyCar for the first time. It’s really cool to be with Dale Coyne and start working. Overall, there are a lot of positives to take away and a lot of potential. I’m happy and looking forward to the next step.”

While the Dallara IR18 used in IndyCar has little in common with the IR-15 of Indy NXT, behind the wheel of which Hauger won the 2025 title, the Norwegian believes that this year spent in the antechamber of the American discipline was valuable, particularly in adapting to the particular constraints of motor racing across the Atlantic.

“I think it was really important for me to be in Indy NXT this year to prepare for IndyCar. I got to know the tracks, the style of the teams here, the environments, the people and their way of working. Mainly the tracks, the ovals… I learned a lot of new things that can be transferred to IndyCar.”

Hauger and his team are expected to have several more days of testing before the first race of the 2026 season, on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, on March 1.

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