IndyCar News: 2026 Season Preview – Key Changes and Storylines
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR Series season is just weeks away from kicking off, with a mix of familiar faces in new places and some intriguing uncertainties. While many drivers are staying put, several high-profile moves and team developments promise to shake up the grid. Here’s a look at the biggest storylines heading into the year.
Dale Coyne Racing’s New Direction
One perennial question in INDYCAR is the driver lineup at Dale Coyne Racing (DCR). This season, 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion Dennis Hauger is locked in for the No. 18 entry. The Norwegian standout, who dominated last year, brings a fresh contract and high expectations. Rumors suggest Romain Grosjean could fill the second seat; the Frenchman made his INDYCAR debut with DCR in 2021.
In late May 2025, after Jacob Abel’s failure to qualify for the Indy 500, AutoRacing1 spoke with team owner Dale Coyne about potential alliances. That vision came to fruition with Hauger’s signing, as DCR announced a technical partnership with Andretti Global—a move expected to elevate the team’s competitiveness.
Adding to the momentum, Coyne revealed in August 2025 that Ault Blockchain would serve as the primary sponsor for both entries. Milton “Todd” Ault, the company’s founder, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Coyne for the upcoming campaign.
Prema Racing’s Uncertain Future
Another major question mark looms over Prema Racing as they enter their second year in the series following a recent management shakeup. The Rosin family, who founded and built the team, has fully departed. As reported by The Race, Angelo Rosin established Prema alongside his wife Grazia Troncon, with their son Rene and Angelina Ertsou handling daily operations in recent years. Now, all have stepped away permanently.
This shift raises concerns about the team’s two entries, potentially leaving a gap in the pit lane and casting doubt on Prema’s long-term commitment to INDYCAR.
Will Power’s Fresh Start at Andretti Global
Veteran Will Power has made a headline-grabbing switch to Andretti Global for 2026. After a rocky final season with Team Penske—where owner Roger Penske declined to renew the 17-year veteran’s contract—the two-time champion and Indy 500 winner is eager to prove himself with a rival squad.
The Australian driver, known for his record-breaking pole positions, is motivated to outperform his former team. He’s already building strong chemistry with teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson.
Bolstering Andretti’s leadership, Ron Ruzewski joined as team principal in January 2026. Previously with Team Penske, Ruzewski was let go amid the May 2025 scandal involving attenuator modifications. His extensive experience, including multiple championships and Indy 500 victories, should provide a significant boost.
David Malukas Steps Up to Team Penske
David Malukas is set to pilot the No. 12 for Team Penske this season. The 24-year-old American, entering his fifth INDYCAR campaign, faces the challenge of filling a prestigious seat. While he hasn’t secured a win yet—his best result being a second-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway during his 2022 rookie year—Malukas brings youthful energy to the powerhouse team.
He’ll contend with formidable teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, adding intensity to every race weekend.
Rinus VeeKay Returns to His Roots
Rinus VeeKay is embarking on his seventh INDYCAR season with Juncos Hollinger Racing. After five years at Ed Carpenter Racing and a stint with Dale Coyne Racing, the Dutch driver is reuniting with the team where he finished second in the 2019 INDY NXT (formerly Indy Lights) championship.
The 25-year-old, who has one career win, aims to build on that success and add more victories to his resume.
The 2026 Rookie Battle
This year’s Rookie of the Year contest looks fiercely competitive, with three talented newcomers vying for the honor.
Dennis Hauger, dubbed the “Norwegian Nightmare” by the FOX broadcast team, enters with strong credentials. The 22-year-old won six races and eight poles en route to the 2025 INDY NXT Rookie of the Year and championship titles. Familiar with most tracks, he’s poised to make an immediate impact.
Caio Collet joins AJ Foyt Racing after finishing runner-up to Hauger in INDY NXT last year. The 23-year-old Brazilian claimed three wins and three poles in 2025, setting up a tough challenge for the top rookie spot.
Mick Schumacher, the 2020 Formula 2 champion and son of seven-time F1 titleholder Michael Schumacher, makes his INDYCAR debut with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the No. 47. At 26, he’ll face a steep learning curve on unfamiliar tracks, especially ovals, which could put him at a disadvantage early on against Hauger and Collet.
Can Alex Palou Maintain His Dominance?
The overarching question for 2026: Will Alex Palou extend his reign? The Spaniard has captured four championships in five years, including a dominant 2025 season with eight wins out of 17 races. As he chases another title, the field will be gunning to dethrone him—or see if his remarkable run finally hits a snag.
The season opener takes place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, and will be broadcast on FOX. With these changes in play, INDYCAR fans are in for an exciting year.