The IndyCar Grid is Complete: Romain Grosjean Rejoins

Dale Coyne Racing, IndyCar

Romain Grosjean had a season off from the IndyCar paddock, including taking part in the Haas test, driving an F1 car for the first time since the accident, serving as a reserve for the Prema IndyCar team in their first season, and driving for Lamborghini in the IMSA season. But after a busy year on the outskirts of the IndyCar paddock, Romain Grosjean is back for a full-time seat, returning to the Dale Coyne Racing team.

The last IndyCar seat has been up in the air for the last couple of months, but it was revealed a few days ago that Romain Grosjean would complete the Dale Coyne lineup for 2026 after his first stint at the team in 2021. As part of the team, Grosjean will drive the number 18, DCR car, with sponsors of OnlyBulls and Bitcoin Max, the latter of which he is a global brand ambassador.

The No. 18 car will pair the rookie Dennis Hauger, who won the Indy NXT championship last year, after a couple of successful years in Formula 2 and Formula 3. With his first year at Dale Coyne Racing in 2021, followed by time at Andretti Global and Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2024. To date, Grosjean has six podium finishes and a couple of pole positions, meaning he seems the likely person to mentor a young rookie driver.

Talking about the partnership, team owner Dale Coyne said, “Pairing an exceptional rookie in Dennis (Hauger) with a proven veteran like Romain gives us a strong competitive foundation. Bringing back key pieces of our history while building new global partnerships positions us well for 2026.”

With just a few weeks to go until IndyCar gets racing again on the 1^st March at St Petersburg, we will have to see how Romain Grosjean gets on with a year out, although he has been seen testing with DCR in Sebring, so he is not that rusty. I can’t wait to see how Dennis Hauger and Romain Grosjean get on, so you will know where I will be on the 1^stMarch!

Written by: Amy Powis