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

Dennis Hauger’s career trajectory is one taken by many Formula 1 hopefuls, winning several karting titles before graduating into the F1 feeder series. There, he became an Italian F4 champion before winning the 2021 F3 title with Prema (beating current Alpine F1 driver Jack Doohan). He went on to win multiple F2 races and even earned a runner-up finish in the coveted Macau Grand Prix.

But after three years in Formula 2, Hauger has taken a new path, setting his sets on IndyCar. It’s a move that’s become more of a common trend in recent years with several rising stars from the aforementioned junior divisions turning to American open-wheel racing with how narrow the path to the 20-driver F1 grid is. Hauger is now among that group, signing with Andretti Global for the 2025 Indy NXT season.

Finding a new home

“We were looking at different things going into the 2025 season,” explained Hauger in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com. “But quite early on, I was like, okay, if we’re not aiming for directly F1 … and going into my (fourth) season in F2, what would be the step after that? We were looking at IndyCar as well, but I think coming from Europe, going into America, you don’t have the same name. We don’t have that sort of budget either like some of the other guys. 

“Just going into Indy NXT, which seemed like a really cool series, and you get to learn tracks and the style and the mindset in the US and also just prove myself to this series and the community in general, so that was the thought behind it. At the end of the day, you have to get the results and do the job. But I thought just the mindset and the atmosphere around here seemed really cool and fresh for me — a fresh start. We were looking at different things, but I’m happy to be here in the US with Andretti.”

The Norwegian racer went on to say that it “wasn’t really a hard choice” to make, believing that the move to America was the best choice for him. It also helps when you get the chance to link up with the historic Andretti team for the switch. As for navigating the change in scenery, Hauger has managed just fine so far, winning on his debut at St. Pete despite never seeing the track before. And it wasn’t just the bumpy street circuit he had to get used to, but the lighter and slower Indy NXT car, all of the US race weekend procedures, rolling starts and so much more. And it helps he’s found the Indy NXT car to fit his driving style a bit more than an F2 car, calling it a more ‘natural’ fit.

But Hauger is on a tight schedule and so, early success like this is necessary. “I know going into this season I have one goal and that’s to win the championship. I’m probably not going to get two years in this series. I’m going to get one year and that’s it to prove myself.” 

Dennis Hauger, Andretti Global

Photo by: Chris Jones

But the biggest thing for him to overcome is something most European racers coming to America have to face … competing at oval tracks. He got a taste of it in a test at Nashville earlier this year and to his credit, Hauger was not intimidated like some racers have been in the past.

“Just awesome,” he said of the experience. “It was different. Especially the way you were racing against each other. You’re really using the slipstream and the dirty air to build momentum. That’s the biggest difference going to the ovals. But just going on track and going flat out — that was quite cool. You feel like a superhero when you’re driving around flat on an oval. Pretty cool feeling. That was definitely a good day.”

A one-year plan

With Hauger planning for just one year in Indy NXT, does that mean he expects to be on the IndyCar grid in 2026? It seems like that is the case.

“The plan is to do one year no matter how it goes,” stated Hauger. “That’s the possibility I have at this moment. It’s all in this year and the goal is obviously to get an (IndyCar) seat for next season. Still a long way ahead, but trying to win the championship is the main goal.”

He also said that while he certainly wouldn’t turn away from a chance to one day join the F1 grid, “I’m fully committed to Indy NXT and IndyCar. Just trying to take it race-by-race with Andretti and maximize myself and prove myself. And then just take it from there.”

Dennis Hauger, Andretti Global

Photo by: Travis Hinkle

IndyCar vs. Formula 1

It’s a common topic among fans and those even working within the two series. So naturally, having participated in both, Hauger also had a nuanced take on the sometimes contentious debate. 

“When I look at F1 and IndyCar, I don’t see IndyCar as less of a cool series,” Hauger told Motorsport.com. “It’s more cool, if anything. You got the fighting and the close competitiveness and the high level of the drivers. It’s insane. And you got a bit more aspects of it with ovals, road courses, street courses. And the (Indy) 500, which is crazy. For me, it’s a bit of a balance … I don’t see IndyCar as a second option. I think we’re all fighting to perform at the highest level and at the moment, IndyCar is the series that’s expanding in the last few years and is going to be a really high level series — even more than it already is.”

F3 Champion Dennis Hauger, Prema Racing

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

Hauger has also spoken with several drivers and industry leaders in hopes of making the transition as smooth as possible. Among them are former F1 driver and 2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson, as well as fellow Norwegian racer Anders Krohn, who helped Hauger to initially get in contact with Andretti.

While he is the early championship leader, there is still a long season ahead for Hauger. Nearly every single track is completely new to him, including the four ovals that make up the 14-race schedule. But if he can accomplish his goal and take home the title, his mission to be part of the 2026 IndyCar grid is likely to become a reality.