The Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) team has confirmed that it will reduce its IndyCar operation from three cars to two from the 2027 season onwards.

In a statement posted on X, RLL owner Bobby Rahal explained that the decision was part of a broader long-term strategy, which will help it prepare better for the new regulations coming in 2028. 

"As we evaluated the long-term direction of our organization, we made the strategic decision to return our full-time program to two cars beginning in 2027. We believe this positions our team to be able to maximize our level of competition while allowing us to focus our resources as we prepare for the introduction of the new car." 

In another statement on X, the team said it has sold one of its seats to Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, which is returning to operating full-time in the racing series after many years. 

The announcement made by RLL on X has heightened concerns around the future of the No.47 team, which was already in speculation in the last few weeks. Mick Schumacher, who is part of the No.47 team, is reportedly in danger of losing his seat after just his first season in IndyCar. 

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Another report by Sports Business Journal states that the “rumored sale price” for the charter is $13M.

The news also comes shortly after Schumacher’s first top-10 finish in IndyCar with an eighth-place result at Nashville. In a post-race interaction with Bob Pockrass, the driver sounded confident and upbeat about his chances for 2027, indirectly addressing the rumors that had been going around for a while. 

"I think there’s a high chance that I’ll be here next year," Schumacher said in the FOX report.

Meanwhile, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing returns to their first full-time operation shortly after the passing of Dennis Reinbold at the age of 65. Dennis was said to be working towards ensuring the team’s return to full-time racing. 

Formed in 2000, the team immediately tasted success, with the season opener at Walt Disney World Speedway being its only victory to date, with Robbie Buhl driving the car. However, the team scored two P2 finishes with Justin Wilson in 2010 and four podium finishes between 2001 and 2012. 

What fans had to say about the rumor

Following the announcement, there was a unanimous sentiment among fans X, with most of them feeling that Mick Schumacher is the one who lost his seat at the RLL team, as Graham Rahal and Louis Foster are reportedly understood to be part of long-term contracts. 

A person on X felt that drivers need time to get used to a new team and new form of racing, saying, “So disappointed that you're selling Mick Schumacher's seat. Why bring him in for a year to dump him. It's common knowledge that drivers take time to acclimatise to a new series. Guess you used him for the hype.” 

Two more users felt that Graham Rahal should make way for the younger talents in the team. One of those users said, “Ditch Graham and keep Foster/Schumacher if you’re smart”, while the other added, “Love Graham, but he should focus on becoming team owner/manager and race in the Indy 500 as long as he wants.”

Echoing similar sentiments, one more person said, “If you wanted to maximize your position, you would put competitive drivers in the car.” 

Another user expressed a sentiment of hope in general for the sport, saying, “Hopeful news! IndyCar needs to expand its teams and the number of full-time drivers!”

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Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason