Excitement is building within the open-wheel racing community as Lochie Hughes, the talented 23-year-old Australian, has officially confirmed his return to Andretti Global’s INDY NXT lineup for the 2026 season. The announcement, made by Andretti Global on October 7, 2025, and echoed by multiple motorsport publications, marks a pivotal moment in the young driver’s rapidly ascending career. Not only will Hughes pilot the No. 26 Andretti Dallara in INDY NXT by Firestone, but he will also serve as an Andretti INDYCAR reserve driver—a dual role that underscores his growing reputation in the paddock.
Hughes’ journey to this point has been nothing short of meteoric. After clinching the 2024 USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire Championship, the step just below INDY NXT in the American single-seater ladder, Hughes joined Andretti Global for his rookie INDY NXT campaign in 2025. He wasted no time making an impression. Across 14 races, Hughes collected two wins, two pole positions, eight podiums, 54 laps led, and a remarkable 12 top-10 finishes. His consistent performances propelled him to a third-place finish in the overall championship standings—an achievement that sets a high bar for his sophomore season.
Reflecting on his rookie year, Hughes shared his enthusiasm for the road ahead. “I’m really excited to be returning to Andretti Global for the 2026 INDY NXT season,” he said in a team statement. “It was a dream to drive for this team this past season, and I’m proud that we finished third in the Championship. I’m looking forward to building on that success next year with a team I know well now.”
Hughes’ 2025 campaign was highlighted by a pair of standout victories. The first came at the iconic Indianapolis Grand Prix, where he converted his maiden INDY NXT pole position into a hard-fought win in Race 1. Just three rounds later, Hughes delivered another statement performance, charging from fifth on the grid to first in his oval debut—a testament to his adaptability and racecraft. These triumphs, combined with a string of podiums, established Hughes as one of the most promising young drivers on the American open-wheel scene.
His rapid rise is no surprise to those who have followed his progress through the ranks. Before his INDY NXT exploits, Hughes built an impressive resume: he won the 2022 United States Formula 4 title, finished third in USF2000 in 2023, and captured the 2024 USF Pro 2000 championship. Each step has showcased his ability to adapt, learn, and ultimately win—qualities that have caught the attention of team bosses and fans alike.
Andretti Global’s team principal Rob Edwards didn’t mince words when outlining expectations for Hughes’ second year. “We are delighted to welcome Lochie back to the Andretti INDY NXT family for the 2026 season. Coming off a successful rookie year with two wins and six podium finishes, the goal for 2026 is very clear: we expect Lochie to challenge for the INDY NXT Championship,” Edwards declared. He pointed to the development arcs of recent Andretti talents Christian Rasmussen and Louis Foster, both of whom made significant strides in their sophomore INDY NXT seasons. “Both Christian Rasmussen and Louis Foster have shown the growth and maturity that a second season in INDY NXT brings, and I am confident we will see more of the same with Lochie.”
But the 2026 season isn’t the only milestone on Hughes’ horizon. As part of his expanded role, Hughes will embark on his maiden INDYCAR test with Andretti Global on October 13, 2025, at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. This highly anticipated test will see Hughes share the track with some of his fiercest INDY NXT rivals, including 2025 champion Dennis Hauger (now with Dale Coyne Racing), runner-up Caio Collet (testing with AJ Foyt Racing), and James Roe Jr, who will be making his INDYCAR test debut with Juncos Hollinger Racing.
For Hughes, the opportunity to step into an INDYCAR for the first time is a dream realized. “I am also beyond excited to be doing my first INDYCAR test. It’s something I’ve looked forward to for a long time, and doing it in Indy makes it even more special. It will be a great experience to work closely with the team as an INDYCAR reserve driver in 2026,” Hughes said, his words brimming with anticipation.
The upcoming test is more than just a rite of passage; it’s a critical step in Hughes’ development as he eyes a future in the top tier of American open-wheel racing. The reserve driver role will allow him to work closely with Andretti’s INDYCAR squad, gaining invaluable experience in car setup, race strategy, and team dynamics at the highest level. For a driver with Hughes’ pedigree and ambition, it’s the perfect platform to showcase his skills and readiness for the next challenge.
Hughes’ path to INDYCAR is emblematic of the American open-wheel ladder’s effectiveness in nurturing talent. His progression from Formula 4, through USF2000 and USF Pro 2000, to INDY NXT and now an INDYCAR test, is a blueprint for aspiring drivers. Each rung on the ladder has tested different facets of his racing acumen—from raw speed and technical precision to tactical nous and mental resilience.
Meanwhile, the competitive landscape in INDY NXT continues to intensify. The 2025 season saw a fiercely contested battle among rising stars, with Dennis Hauger ultimately clinching the championship and earning a promotion to INDYCAR with Dale Coyne Racing. Runner-up Caio Collet, who tested with AJ Foyt Racing, is targeting a race seat at the top level. James Roe Jr, a stalwart of Andretti’s INDY NXT program since 2022, will also get his INDYCAR shot with Juncos Hollinger Racing after a challenging 2025 campaign.
As for Hughes, his focus remains squarely on building upon the momentum of his rookie INDY NXT season. With Seb Murray confirmed as his teammate for 2026, Andretti Global boasts one of the most formidable lineups on the grid. The team’s commitment to nurturing young talent, coupled with Hughes’ relentless drive, sets the stage for a thrilling campaign.
Before the new season kicks off, Hughes will also participate in the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test on October 27, 2025, at the Indianapolis road course—a key event for teams and drivers to fine-tune setups and evaluate new talent.
With his eyes set on the INDY NXT championship and a foot in the INDYCAR paddock, Lochie Hughes stands at the crossroads of promise and opportunity. If his past performances are any indication, the motorsport world will be watching closely as the Australian ace gears up for a defining year with Andretti Global. The engines will roar, the competition will be fierce, and for Hughes, the next chapter is just beginning.
