Despite opening lap contact that sent him crashing out in the season finale, Dennis Hauger officially secured the 2026 IndyCar Rookie of the Year title. Driving the #19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda, he edged out Mick Schumacher by 15 points to claim top rookie honors.
The 23-year-old Norwegian's campaign featured eight finishes in the top 15, headlined by two top-10 drives, including a season-best eighth-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. He earned five top-10 starts across the 18-round calendar, including two Fast Six qualifying appearances – highlighted by a third-place start in his series debut at St. Petersburg. He also flashes front-running pace by leading laps on the ovals at Phoenix and Milwaukee.