Dennis Hauger on why he switched focus to IndyCar

Dennis Hauger’s profession trajectory is one taken by many Method 1 hopefuls, successful a number of karting titles earlier than graduating into the F1 feeder collection. There, he turned an Italian F4 champion earlier than successful the 2021 F3 title with Prema (beating present Alpine F1 driver Jack Doohan). He went on to win a number of F2 races and even earned a runner-up end within the coveted Macau Grand Prix.

However after three years in Method 2, Hauger has taken a brand new path, setting his units on IndyCar. It is a transfer that is grow to be extra of a standard development lately with a number of rising stars from the aforementioned junior divisions turning to American open-wheel racing with how slim the trail to the 20-driver F1 grid is. Hauger is now amongst that group, signing with Andretti International for the 2025 Indy NXT season.

Discovering a brand new dwelling

“We had been various things going into the 2025 season,” defined Hauger in an unique interview with Motorsport.com. “However fairly early on, I used to be like, okay, if we’re not aiming for straight F1 … and going into my (fourth) season in F2, what can be the step after that? We had been IndyCar as effectively, however I believe coming from Europe, going into America, you do not have the identical title. We do not have that kind of price range both like a number of the different guys. 

“Simply going into Indy NXT, which appeared like a very cool collection, and also you get to be taught tracks and the type and the mindset within the US and in addition simply show myself to this collection and the neighborhood typically, in order that was the thought behind it. On the finish of the day, you need to get the outcomes and do the job. However I believed simply the mindset and the environment round right here appeared actually cool and contemporary for me — a contemporary begin. We had been various things, however I am blissful to be right here within the US with Andretti.”

The Norwegian racer went on to say that it “wasn’t actually a tough selection” to make, believing that the transfer to America was the only option for him. It additionally helps while you get the possibility to hyperlink up with the historic Andretti crew for the swap. As for navigating the change in surroundings, Hauger has managed simply tremendous to date, successful on his debut at St. Pete regardless of by no means seeing the observe earlier than. And it wasn’t simply the bumpy road circuit he needed to get used to, however the lighter and slower Indy NXT automobile, the entire US race weekend procedures, rolling begins and a lot extra. And it helps he is discovered the Indy NXT automobile to suit his driving type a bit greater than an F2 automobile, calling it a extra ‘pure’ match.

However Hauger is on a good schedule and so, early success like that is mandatory. “I do know going into this season I’ve one aim and that is to win the championship. I am in all probability not going to get two years on this collection. I will get one yr and that is it to show myself.” 

Dennis Hauger, Andretti International

Photograph by: Chris Jones

However the greatest factor for him to beat is one thing most European racers coming to America should face … competing at oval tracks. He received a style of it in a take a look at at Nashville earlier this yr and to his credit score, Hauger was not intimidated like some racers have been previously.

“Simply superior,” he mentioned of the expertise. “It was totally different. Particularly the way in which you had been racing in opposition to one another. You are actually utilizing the slipstream and the soiled air to construct momentum. That is the largest distinction going to the ovals. However simply occurring observe and going flat out — that was fairly cool. You’re feeling like a superhero while you’re driving round flat on an oval. Fairly cool feeling. That was positively a very good day.”

A one-year plan

With Hauger planning for only one yr in Indy NXT, does that imply he expects to be on the IndyCar grid in 2026? It looks like that’s the case.

“The plan is to do one yr irrespective of the way it goes,” acknowledged Hauger. “That is the likelihood I’ve at this second. It is all on this yr and the aim is clearly to get an (IndyCar) seat for subsequent season. Nonetheless a good distance forward, however making an attempt to win the championship is the principle aim.”

He additionally mentioned that whereas he actually would not flip away from an opportunity to in the future be a part of the F1 grid, “I am totally dedicated to Indy NXT and IndyCar. Simply making an attempt to take it race-by-race with Andretti and maximize myself and show myself. After which simply take it from there.”

Dennis Hauger, Andretti International

Photograph by: Travis Hinkle

IndyCar vs. Method 1

It is a widespread matter amongst followers and people even working inside the two collection. So naturally, having participated in each, Hauger additionally had a nuanced tackle the generally contentious debate. 

“Once I have a look at F1 and IndyCar, I do not see IndyCar as much less of a cool collection,” Hauger instructed Motorsport.com. “It is extra cool, if something. You bought the combating and the shut competitiveness and the excessive stage of the drivers. It is insane. And you bought a bit extra points of it with ovals, street programs, road programs. And the (Indy) 500, which is loopy. For me, it is a bit of a steadiness … I do not see IndyCar as a second choice. I believe we’re all combating to carry out on the highest stage and in the meanwhile, IndyCar is the collection that is increasing in the previous few years and goes to be a very excessive stage collection — much more than it already is.”

F3 Champion Dennis Hauger, Prema Racing

Photograph by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Pictures

Hauger has additionally spoken with a number of drivers and trade leaders in hopes of creating the transition as clean as doable. Amongst them are former F1 driver and 2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson, in addition to fellow Norwegian racer Anders Krohn, who helped Hauger to initially get involved with Andretti.

Whereas he’s the early championship chief, there’s nonetheless a protracted season forward for Hauger. Almost each single observe is totally new to him, together with the 4 ovals that make up the 14-race schedule. But when he can accomplish his aim and take dwelling the title, his mission to be a part of the 2026 IndyCar grid is prone to grow to be a actuality.