PREMA Racing Faces Potential Absence from Four IndyCar Races in 2026 Amid Financial Challenges at Parent Company
PREMA Racing, the Italian outfit that made a high-profile entry into the NTT IndyCar Series in 2025, is grappling with significant uncertainty regarding its participation in the 2026 season. According to internal sources close to the team, the squad may be forced to miss the first four races of the championship due to ongoing financial difficulties at its parent company, DC Racing Solutions. This development comes after a debut year that showed flashes of promise but was ultimately overshadowed by operational and funding struggles.
PREMA joined IndyCar as the series’ 11th full-time entrant in 2025, fielding a two-car Chevrolet-powered operation based in Indiana. Drivers Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott were at the helm, with Shwartzman delivering one of the standout moments of the season by securing pole position for the Indianapolis 500—a remarkable achievement for a rookie driver and a new team in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The team demonstrated competitiveness on certain tracks, particularly in the later stages of the year, but consistency proved elusive amid the challenges of adapting to a new series and transatlantic logistics.
The roots of the current predicament trace back to broader issues within PREMA’s ownership structure. DC Racing Solutions, a Swiss-based entity led by Deborah Mayer and Claudio Schiavoni, acquired a controlling stake in PREMA several years ago. The company has expanded PREMA’s footprint beyond its traditional stronghold in European junior formulas—such as FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3—into endurance sports car racing through outfits like Iron Lynx and Iron Dames, and eventually into North America with the IndyCar program. However, reports indicate that DC Racing Solutions has encountered financial headwinds, impacting the resources available to support the IndyCar effort.
Compounding these troubles was a major leadership shake-up earlier in 2026. The Rosin family—founders of PREMA in 1983, including Angelo Rosin, his son Rene (who served as team principal), and Angelina Ertsou—departed the organization entirely. This exit marked the end of an era for the storied Italian team, which had built a reputation as one of the most successful operations in feeder series racing over more than four decades.
With the Rosins no longer involved, PREMA IndyCar CEO Piers Phillips has been leading efforts to secure new backing or ownership for the program, potentially decoupling it from the broader PREMA brand to ensure its survival as an independent entity.
Recent indicators have heightened concerns about the team’s readiness for the 2026 campaign. PREMA opted out of IndyCar’s pre-season content days in Indianapolis, an optional but highly visible promotional and media event typically attended by all teams. This absence fueled speculation that the squad might not be prepared for the season opener in St. Petersburg or the subsequent early rounds. Insiders have suggested that PREMA could aim to return to competition at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, the fifth event on the calendar, potentially in a limited capacity while finalizing arrangements.
In response to the situation, IndyCar President Doug Boles has publicly addressed the matter, emphasizing the series’ willingness to assist. Boles confirmed that IndyCar has offered support to PREMA Racing in exploring solutions to maintain its presence on the grid for 2026. This proactive stance reflects the series’ interest in preserving a competitive field, especially after expanding to include PREMA as a full-time entrant just one year prior. IndyCar has historically worked to accommodate teams facing challenges, recognizing the value of international diversity and fresh talent on the grid.
The potential absence from the opening quartet of races—St. Petersburg, Thermal Club, Long Beach’s predecessors in the schedule—would represent a significant setback for PREMA. Missing critical early-season mileage, including any preseason testing opportunities, could leave the team playing catch-up in terms of car setup, driver adaptation, and team cohesion. Shwartzman and Ilott remain under contract, but their participation in a full campaign would depend on the program’s viability. Should a sale or new investment materialize, the team could emerge under different ownership, possibly with adjustments to its structure or technical partnerships.
For IndyCar as a whole, the situation underscores the financial realities of open-wheel racing at this level. While the series has enjoyed growth and stability in recent years, new entrants often face steep learning curves and costs associated with competing against established powerhouses like Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Andretti Global. PREMA’s debut highlighted both the opportunities and pitfalls: the team achieved moments of brilliance, such as the Indy 500 pole, but struggled with reliability and funding consistency.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, the coming weeks will be pivotal. A resolution that allows PREMA—or a restructured version of the team—to compete from Long Beach onward would preserve continuity and provide a path forward. Alternatively, a prolonged absence or full withdrawal could open the door for other interested parties to join the series, maintaining the grid’s strength at 11 or more cars.
The IndyCar community will be watching closely for updates. PREMA’s journey from European dominance to North American aspirations has been ambitious, but the financial pressures at DC Racing Solutions have placed that ambition in jeopardy. With IndyCar’s leadership extending a helping hand, there remains optimism that a workable solution can be found to keep this talented operation in the fold for 2026 and beyond.
