On October 18, Andretti Global made a significant announcement, unveiling that Dennis Hauger will be part of the team for the upcoming 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season, steering the No. 28 Andretti Dallara. This addition rounds out Andretti's roster as Hauger joins current teammates Lochie Hughes, Salvador de Alba, and James Roe.
"I’m really grateful for the opportunity to race with Andretti Global," said Hauger. The 21-year-old Norwegian expressed his enthusiasm for joining the team, stating, "I'm looking forward to starting things up with the team and getting to know everyone. We’re already getting down to work before the season starts with testing, and I’m excited to go out there in an INDY NXT car and get that experience. I can’t wait for the 2025 season - I hope it’s a great one."
Hauger’s motorsport journey began at age five, where he progressed through Norway’s national karting ranks for the next decade. His international karting career started at age ten, leading to a pivotal signing with kart manufacturer CRG at age twelve.
After a successful stint in karting where he achieved multiple podiums and championships, Hauger took his first steps into open-wheel racing in the 2018 F4 British Championship, where he also earned the designation of a Red Bull Junior Driver.
The following years saw Hauger flourish; he won the Italian F4 Championship and finished second in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship. His upward trajectory continued in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he claimed the championship title in 2021. He later made his mark in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, capturing five wins and 13 podiums over three seasons. Hauger also served as a Red Bull Reserve Driver in the 2022 and 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship seasons, further establishing his racing credentials.
"Dennis is a driver who has been on our radar for some time, and we’re excited to see him make the jump into American open-wheel racing," said J-F Thormann, President of Andretti Global. He emphasized that Hauger’s experience in competitive development series makes him an ideal candidate for the INDY NXT grid, adding, "We think he’s going to be the perfect addition to round out our 2025 INDY NXT driver lineup, and we’re proud to be a part of his INDY NXT debut."
Hauger is set to drive on a North American track for the first time on October 18 during the Chris Griffis Memorial Test at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season is slated to kick off on March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, where Hauger hopes to showcase his skills against a competitive field.
With such a remarkable ascent through the ranks, Hauger's transition into INDY NXT is highly anticipated. His background promises a blend of talent and experience that the series undoubtedly welcomes. As Hauger prepares for testing and the upcoming season, Andretti Global looks forward to watching him develop within their established team framework.
This renewed energy and addition of fresh talent to the INDY NXT series are essential as the racing community gears up for what is expected to be an exhilarating season ahead.
