The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is about to get a whole lot more interesting! After years of Alex Palou's dominance, could 2026 be the year we see a changing of the guard? Several drivers are poised to make a major impact, challenging for wins and consistently battling for top-five finishes. Buckle up, because the competition is heating up!
Let's rewind to 2025, a season that saw two drivers burst onto the scene: Christian Lundgaard and Kyle Kirkwood. Lundgaard, driving the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, may not have snagged a win, but his consistent performance earned him a career-best fifth-place finish in the championship. He also doubled his career podiums, showcasing a significant leap in performance. Kirkwood, representing Andretti Global, mirrored this success, securing a career-best fourth-place finish and three wins, second only to Palou. And this is the part most people miss... both drivers have already moved past the 'breakout' phase, setting the stage for others to shine in 2026.
Here are five drivers who could be ready to make their mark in the upcoming season:
Marcus Armstrong – No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian Honda: If Armstrong keeps up his steady climb, this 25-year-old from New Zealand could be a dark horse contender. He's been steadily improving, with a full-time move to Ganassi in 2024 leading to marked progress. Switching to Meyer Shank Racing in 2025 brought even more success, indicating a strong upward trajectory. He's shown remarkable consistency, and another leap forward could easily put him in the championship conversation.
David Malukas – No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet: Joining the powerhouse Team Penske could be the catalyst Malukas needs to unlock his full potential. With Penske's resources, Malukas has the platform to convert his raw speed into race wins. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, the move to Penske is expected to provide the consistency needed to convert qualifying speed into race day success. But here's where it gets controversial... The pressure is on; the last full-time Team Penske driver to go winless during their tenure was Andre Ribeiro in 1998, and that was his only season with the team.
Christian Rasmussen – No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet: Rasmussen is quietly becoming an oval track specialist. His first win came in his 30th career start, and he's consistently delivered top-10 finishes on ovals. The key for him is to improve his performance on road and street courses. With a full year of experience under his belt, he's poised to build on his momentum.
Felix Rosenqvist – No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian Honda: Rosenqvist, with seven seasons under his belt, might seem like an established name, but he's still seeking a true breakout. After joining Meyer Shank Racing in 2024, he immediately boosted the team's performance. He's steadily closing in on a breakthrough, and 2026 could be the year he finally doubles his win total. A victory at the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 could be within reach.
Kyffin Simpson – No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda: Simpson's 2025 season erased any doubts about his potential. The Cayman Island driver showed impressive growth in his second season, improving significantly and ending the season with a strong second half. Entering his third year with Chip Ganassi Racing, Simpson is ready to step out of the shadows and establish himself as a consistent front-runner.
So, what do you think? Are these the drivers to watch in 2026? Who are you betting on to shake up the standings? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don't forget to like and share this article if you found it insightful!
