From Europe to America: Dennis Hauger on why he switched focus to IndyCar

Dennis Hauger’s profession trajectory is one taken by many Formulation 1 hopefuls, profitable a number of karting titles earlier than graduating into the F1 feeder collection. There, he grew to become an Italian F4 champion earlier than profitable 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 Formulation 2, Hauger has taken a brand new path, setting his units on IndyCar. It is a transfer that is turn into extra of a typical 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 house

“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 nicely, however I feel coming from Europe, going into America, you do not have the identical identify. We do not have that kind of funds 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 model and the mindset within the US and in addition simply show myself to this collection and the group usually, in order that was the thought behind it. On the finish of the day, you must get the outcomes and do the job. However I assumed simply the mindset and the ambiance round right here appeared actually cool and contemporary for me — a contemporary begin. We had been various things, however I am completely satisfied to be right here within the US with Andretti.”

Dennis Hauger, MP Motorsport, 2nd place, lifts his trophy

Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photos

The Norwegian racer went on to say that it “wasn’t actually a tough alternative” to make, believing that the transfer to America was your best option for him. It additionally helps whenever you get the possibility to hyperlink up with the historic Andretti staff for the swap. As for navigating the change in surroundings, Hauger has managed simply high-quality up to now, profitable 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 automotive, the entire US race weekend procedures, rolling begins and a lot extra. And it helps he is discovered the Indy NXT automotive to suit his driving model a bit greater than an F2 automotive, calling it a extra ‘pure’ match.

However Hauger is on a good schedule and so, early success like that is crucial. “I do know going into this season I’ve one objective and that is to win the championship. I am in all probability not going to get two years on this collection. I’ll get one 12 months 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 need to face … competing at oval tracks. He acquired a style of it in a take a look at at Nashville earlier this 12 months and to his credit score, Hauger was not intimidated like some racers have been previously.

“Simply superior,” he stated 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 are feeling like a superhero whenever you’re driving round flat on an oval. Fairly cool feeling. That was positively a great day.”

A one-year plan

With Hauger planning for only one 12 months in Indy NXT, does that imply he expects to be on the IndyCar grid in 2026? It looks as if that’s the case.

“The plan is to do one 12 months irrespective of the way it goes,” said Hauger. “That is the chance I’ve at this second. It is all on this 12 months and the objective is clearly to get an (IndyCar) seat for subsequent season. Nonetheless a great distance forward, however attempting to win the championship is the principle objective.”

He additionally stated that whereas he actually would not flip away from an opportunity to someday be part of the F1 grid, “I am absolutely dedicated to Indy NXT and IndyCar. Simply attempting 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. Formulation 1

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

“After I take a look at F1 and IndyCar, I do not see IndyCar as much less of a cool collection,” Hauger advised Motorsport.com. “It is extra cool, if something. You bought the preventing and the shut competitiveness and the excessive stage of the drivers. It is insane. And you bought a bit extra facets of it with ovals, highway programs, road programs. And the (Indy) 500, which is loopy. For me, it’s kind of of a stability … I do not see IndyCar as a second possibility. I feel we’re all preventing to carry out on the highest stage and in the intervening time, 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 Photos

Hauger has additionally spoken with a number of drivers and trade leaders in hopes of constructing the transition as easy as potential. 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 may be nonetheless a protracted season forward for Hauger. Practically 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 objective and take house the title, his mission to be a part of the 2026 IndyCar grid is prone to turn into a actuality.