Mick Schumacher passes crucial test ahead of Indy 500 debut

Mick Schumacher has completed his rookie orientation to allow him to compete in the Indy 500 as track activities get underway at the Brickyard.

As the former Haas F1 driver has never competed on the 2.5-mile oval before, rules dictated that he must complete the 'Rookie Orientation Programme' on the first day of a two-day open test to kick off build-up ahead of next month's race.

Schumacher, who drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, was required to run solo at ever-increasing higher speeds to ensure he maintained control of the Honda powered machine throughout.

The 2020 FIA F2 champion was required to complete 10 laps between 205-210mph, followed by 15 laps in the 215-220mph range, before 15 laps at over 215mph. 

Schumacher passed and is now able to take part in the rest of the activities at IMS, as did fellow rookies Caio Collet, Dennis Hauger, and Jacob Abel - the latest of whom did attempt to qualify in 2025 but was bumped from the field, and thus has no race experience at Indy. 

The field for the Indy 500 will feature the full complement of 33 entries, made up of 25 full-timers and eight one-offs.

These include four-time winner Helio Castroneves, two-time winner Takuma Sato and 2014 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay. 

Katharine Legge will also make a one-off appearance and be the only female driver on the grid.

With only 33 confirmed entries, it means no car will be bumped from qualifying, with 33 starters long being the tradition in the Indy 500. 

Qualifying takes place over the weekend of May 16th-17th, before the Indy 500 itself on Sunday, May 24th.