Coyne Hires Dennis Hauger for 2026, Enters Partnership with Andretti

Dale Coyne Racing announced Sept. 23 that reigning INDY NXT by Firestone champion Dennis Hauger will drive one of the team’s Honda-powered entries in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The team also announced it has entered into a technical partnership with Andretti Global for the 2026 season.

Hauger, 22, from Norway, earned six wins, five additional podium finishes, 13 top-10 finishes and seven poles in 14 races en route to winning the INDYCAR development series championship in 2025 as a rookie with Andretti Global. He clinched the title at the penultimate race of the season, at the Milwaukee Mile.

“I’m excited to be joining Dale Coyne Racing for my rookie INDYCAR season,” Hauger said. “The progress the team has shown this year is really impressive, and it’s an honor to take my place on the grid with them in 2026. I want to thank Dale Coyne and everyone at the team for putting their trust in me.

“It’ll also be nice to see some familiar faces through the team’s technical partnership with Andretti Global. They’ve been a big part of my success since making the switch, so having their involvement in another rookie season for me will be great. I’m looking forward to contributing and starting this next chapter together.”

Before making his debut in North American open-wheel racing, Hauger (above photo, front) advanced through the European racing ranks, capturing the Italian F4 Championship (2019), the FIA Formula 3 Championship (2021) and earning five wins and 13 podiums over three seasons competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship (2022-24).

“This is a great opportunity for us here at DCR to bring on a talented driver and gain a strong technical partner in Andretti Global,” team owner Dale Coyne said. “Thanks to Dan (Towriss, Andretti Global team partner) and his belief in our sport and his dedication to elevating Dennis to the top of the ladder.”

Hauger will test in the offseason at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with Dale Coyne Racing and will make his official on-track debut at the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener March 1, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.