The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series kicks off March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With major driver moves, a revamped 18-race schedule, and the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on the horizon, there's plenty for Indiana racing fans to get hyped about.

Whether you're a longtime IndyCar follower or looking to get into open-wheel racing for the first time, here's everything you need to know heading into the 2026 season.

Who's the Defending Champion?

Álex Palou enters the 2026 season as the driver to beat. The Spanish star is not only the defending Indianapolis 500 winner but also a four-time series champion, including a remarkable three-peat from 2023 to 2025. He'll continue driving the No. 10 car for Chip Ganassi Racing.

At just 29 years old, Palou has already cemented himself as one of the greatest drivers in modern IndyCar history. Beating him this season will be a tall order for anyone on the grid.

Major Driver Changes for 2026

The offseason brought some of the biggest silly season moves in years. Here's who switched teams.

Will Power to Andretti Global

The 2022 champion and 2018 Indy 500 winner departed Team Penske after 17 seasons. Power will drive the No. 26 car for Andretti, taking over for Colton Herta.

David Malukas to Team Penske

Malukas moved from A.J. Foyt Enterprises to fill Power's seat at Penske. The young American will drive the No. 12 entry alongside Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin.

Mick Schumacher's IndyCar Debut

Former Formula 1 driver and World Endurance Championship competitor Mick Schumacher joins Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for his rookie IndyCar season. The son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher will drive the No. 47 car. His debut has generated significant international attention.

Colton Herta to Formula 1

Herta left IndyCar entirely to become the test driver for the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team, ending his seven-year run with Andretti.

Romain Grosjean Returns

The former F1 driver returns to IndyCar after spending 2025 in IMSA sports car racing. Grosjean rejoins Dale Coyne Racing, where he'll drive the No. 18 car.

Rookies to Watch in 2026

Three drivers enter the season eligible for Rookie of the Year.

• Mick Schumacher — No. 47, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

• Dennis Hauger — No. 19, Dale Coyne Racing

• Caio Collet — No. 4, A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Hauger won the 2025 Indy NXT championship, while Collet finished second in that series. Both are ready to make the jump to IndyCar's top level.

The 2026 IndyCar Schedule

IndyCar released an 18-race schedule with several notable changes.

Season Opener March 1 — Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Street Circuit)

New Races

• Grand Prix of Arlington (March 15): IndyCar returns to Texas for the first time since 2023 with this new street circuit race in Arlington.

• Freedom 250 Grand Prix (August 23): A brand-new race on the streets of Washington, D.C., added in January 2026.

• Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham (August 16): The Toronto-area race moves from Exhibition Place to a new street circuit in Markham, Ontario.

Returning Venues

• Phoenix Raceway (March 7): IndyCar returns to Arizona after an eight-year absence.

• Milwaukee Mile (August 29–30): The historic oval hosts a doubleheader weekend.

The Big One May 24 — 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Season Finale September 6 — IndyCar Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

What Happened to These Races?

Two venues from 2025 didn't make the cut. The Thermal Club was dropped after two seasons on the calendar, and Iowa Speedway was removed after four years on the schedule.

Manufacturer News: Honda and Chevy Locked In

On February 12, 2026, both Honda and Chevrolet announced multi-year contract extensions to remain in the series through the introduction of new 2.4-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 engines in 2028. Each manufacturer will receive a single charter entry as part of the deal.

Firestone also extended its exclusive tire supplier agreement through at least 2030.

How to Watch IndyCar in 2026

All 18 races will air on Fox Sports. In July 2025, Fox Corporation acquired a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment, IndyCar's parent company, extending the broadcast partnership through 2030.

Most races will stream on the Fox Sports app with a cable or streaming subscription.

Teams and Drivers: Full 2026 Entry List

Team Penske (Chevrolet): Josef Newgarden (2), Scott McLaughlin (3), David Malukas (12)

Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda): Kyffin Simpson (8), Scott Dixon (9), Álex Palou (10)

Andretti Global (Honda): Will Power (26), Kyle Kirkwood (27), Marcus Ericsson (28)

Arrow McLaren (Chevrolet): Pato O'Ward (5), Nolan Siegel (6), Christian Lundgaard (7)

Rahal Letterman Lanigan (Honda): Graham Rahal (15), Louis Foster (45), Mick Schumacher (47)

Ed Carpenter Racing (Chevrolet): Alexander Rossi (20), Christian Rasmussen (21)

Juncos Hollinger Racing (Chevrolet): Rinus VeeKay (76), Sting Ray Robb (77)

Meyer Shank Racing (Honda): Felix Rosenqvist (60), Marcus Armstrong (66)

Dale Coyne Racing (Honda): Romain Grosjean (18), Dennis Hauger (19)

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (Chevrolet): Caio Collet (4), Santino Ferrucci (14)

What to Watch for This Season

Can anyone stop Palou? The four-time champion has been nearly untouchable. He has the best team, the best car, and the confidence of a dynasty driver.

Will Power's revenge tour. After leaving Penske, the veteran has something to prove at Andretti. Expect him to come out swinging.

Schumacher's adaptation. The jump from sports cars and F1 to IndyCar ovals is steep. How quickly Mick gets up to speed, especially at Indianapolis, will be fascinating to watch.

Penske's new lineup. Replacing a legend like Will Power is never easy. Malukas has talent, but can he deliver at the Indy 500?

The new officiating system. IndyCar introduced an independent three-person officiating board in December 2025, featuring Ray Evernham, Raj Nair, and FIA-appointed Ronan Morgan. This could change how controversial calls are handled.

Key Dates for Indiana Fans

• March 1 — Season opener at St. Petersburg

• May 9 — Sonsio Grand Prix (IMS Road Course)

• May 24 — 110th Indianapolis 500

• August 29–30 — Milwaukee Mile Doubleheader

Frequently Asked Questions About IndyCar 2026

When does the 2026 IndyCar season start?

The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season begins March 1 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida.

Who is the defending IndyCar champion?

Álex Palou is the defending series champion and a four-time champion overall. He also won the 2025 Indianapolis 500.

Is Mick Schumacher racing in IndyCar?

Yes. Mick Schumacher joins Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for his IndyCar debut in 2026, driving the No. 47 car.

When is the 2026 Indianapolis 500?

The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 24, 2026, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

What channel is IndyCar on?

All 2026 IndyCar races will air on Fox Sports networks.

Get Ready for an Exciting Season

The 2026 IndyCar season promises drama, new faces, and the crown jewel at IMS. Whether you're planning your May pilgrimage to the Speedway or just tuning in on Sundays, this season has all the ingredients for something special.

Keep an eye on the Indiana drivers, cheer for your team, and enjoy one of the purest forms of racing on the planet.

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