Devlin DeFrancesco, set for a 2025 comeback with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, is eager to prove himself after securing a multi-year deal and reflecting on lessons learned during his year away from IndyCar.
In December, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced that Devlin DeFrancesco will pilot the team’s #30 entry for the 2025 NTT IndyCar season. The 24-year-old Canadian driver brings extensive racing experience, including a notable LMP2 class victory at the 2022 24 Hours of Daytona alongside Eric Lux, Pato O’Ward, and Colton Herta.
DeFrancesco previously competed in IndyCar for two seasons with Andretti Autosport from 2022 to 2023, making 34 starts. Despite challenges during that period, including a best finish of 12th at World Wide Technology Raceway, he remains optimistic about his return to the series.
Following a year competing in select IMSA races, DeFrancesco has signed a multi-year contract with RLL, beginning with the 2025 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
DeFrancesco is “very excited to be back and get going”
Speaking to media including Pit Debrief on Tuesday about his comeback, DeFrancesco expressed his enthusiasm. “I’m very excited to get going. Steinbrenner management and the Steinbrenner family and Sean Jones really put a lot of work into making this deal happen,” he said.
“They started talking to Bobby [Rahal] late last year, and I’m very, very happy to get a deal done. It started there, and I’m very excited to be back and get going.”
Reflecting on his year away from the grid, DeFrancesco admitted it was challenging, saying, “Definitely very tough to watch, but also good to be able to reflect and really analyse what I need to work on and improve on.
“I’ve really been able to use this time sitting with the 30 team and everyone to identify what we need to improve and how we’re going to have a strong, consistent year fighting at the front.”
The stability of a multi-year contract is significant for DeFrancesco.
“It’s very nice to have stability. It’s a great group of people.
“The team are very ambitious and have been working very hard during this off-season. I’ve been at the shop almost every day, and it’s nice to have stability. I’m very much looking forward to getting going. I think we’re going to have a good few years together,” he stated.
“Rahal is a very strong up-and-coming team”
DeFrancesco also highlighted the camaraderie within the RLL team, including the opportunity to work alongside Graham Rahal and rookie Louis Foster.
“I think Rahal is a very strong up-and-coming team. They have a lot of resources and have been working hard. Together, we both have a big point to prove this year and for the years ahead. Graham’s experience is something I can lean on and learn from, and we have a very fast rookie in Louis Foster,” he explained.
Preparation has been key for DeFrancesco as he analyses past performances and familiarises himself with the evolving challenges of the series.
“I spent a lot of this year during training sessions watching previous races and qualifying sessions, analysing the last time I was in the car and reviewing the current season. This team has also been working hard on their oval package, so I think we’re going to be quite strong across the board this year,” he said.
When asked about potential future endurance racing, DeFrancesco indicated that his current focus is solely on IndyCar.
“The future is always open, of course, but right now all I’m focused on is the 2025 NTT IndyCar season with Rahal,” he confirmed.
DeFrancesco acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the series’ new hybrid power unit but remained confident. “I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the sim and at the shop with my engineering group, analysing how it works and how to operate it. It’ll be a new element to manage, but I don’t think it will take me long to get up to speed,” he remarked.
The mental game
Discussing the emotional impact of securing his new seat, DeFrancesco revealed, “The day I found out, I actually had the flu. I was laying on the couch when Bobby [Rahal] called to welcome me aboard. It was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. I’m very excited to get going and to prove myself.”
In response to a question from Pit Debrief, DeFrancesco also addressed the mental resilience required after a challenging year away from racing.
“Racing is a big mental game. I always believed in myself and had confidence that I could get the job done. The team around me believed in me too. When I’m thrown into the deep end, I know I can swim and deliver results,” he shared.
With renewed determination and the backing of RLL, DeFrancesco is ready to tackle the 2025 season.
“Getting back into the routine with the great group of people at Rahal is what I’m most looking forward to. We have a strong package and I can’t wait to be at the track week in and week out,” he concluded.
