The 2026 IndyCar Series begins this weekend, and these are our top picks for who will be the winners and losers

This could be the biggest season for IndyCar racing in recent years, with more races and greater global coverage than ever before. 

Before the action begins in St. Petersburg, Florida, EngageSportMode and friends have made some predictions as to who will emerge victorious in 2026. Oh, and who will fall short.

Although Alex Palou looks almost guaranteed to add another IndyCar Series title to his collection, there is plenty still up for grabs.

The panel making prophecies on the 2026 season includes:

John Redfern: ESM’s editor, 

Tyler Clemmensen: LA-based PR professional and photographer extraordinaire,

Ceza: IndyCar convert and the female representative on the panel.

We have covered 16 different categories, some of which are more serious than others. Check back in September to see who was actually right…

Who will win the 2026 IndyCar Series?

Alex Palou has won the Astor Challenge Cup four times in the past five seasons. Surely only a fool would dare to bet against him doing the same again in 2026?

John: Alex Palou. I mean, come on, the guy is unstoppable and I’m not even mad about it.

Tyler: Alex Palou

Ceza: Alex Palou

Who will win the 2026 Indy 500?

Last year saw Alex Palou take his first oval win at the Indy 500, yet none of the panel think the Spaniard will make it back-to-back victories. 

John: Pato O’Ward

Tyler: Kyle Kirkwood

Ceza: Pato O’Ward

Who will be 2026 IndyCar rookie of the year?

Three drivers are beginning their IndyCar careers in 2026, with Indy NXT graduates Dennis Hauger and Caio Collett joined by Mick Schumacher. 

John: Dennis Hauger

Tyler: Mick Schumacher

Ceza: Mick Schumacher

Who will win the most IndyCar oval races in 2026?

IndyCar used to award the A.J. Foyt trophy for the most oval wins each year, but seemingly cannot be bothered anymore. Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward are the most recent winners of it.

John: Will Power

Tyler: Josef Newgarden

Ceza: Alex Palou

Who will win the most IndyCar street circuit races in 2026?

Temporary street circuits account for one-third of the IndyCar season, including the new races in Arlington, Texas, Markham, Ontario, and Washington, D.C. Who will be the ultimate urban warrior for 2026?

John: Kyle Kirkwood, but he won’t win in St. Pete.

Tyler: Kyle Kirkwood

Ceza: Alex Palou, BUT Will Power will win at least one.

Who will win the most IndyCar road course races in 2026?

Classic venues such as Road America and Laguna Seca remain on the IndyCar calendar, delivering their own unique challenges.

John: Alex Palou

Tyler: Alex Palou

Ceza: Alex Palou

Which team will score the most championship points?

John: Andretti Global.

Tyler: Chip Ganassi Racing

Ceza: Chip Ganassi, due to Palou’s consistency.

Which engine supplier will take the most IndyCar wins in 2026?

The battle between Honda and Chevrolet rages on, with both committing to a multi-year deal in the series. But who will claim the most victories this year?

John: Honda

Tyler: Honda

Ceza: Honda (obvs)

Which full-time IndyCar driver will finish last in the standings?

John: Sting Ray Robb. No Jacob Abel to save him now. 

Tyler: Dennis Hauger

Ceza: Caio Collett

Which driver will be the under-performer of the year?

This category is not about which driver will be worst overall, but which will fail to deliver on the expectations of their team and supposed ability. 

John: Marcus Ericsson – Peaked with that 2022 Indy 500 victory.

Tyler: Romain Grosjean

Ceza: David Malukas (sorry!)

Which big-name IndyCar driver will lose their seat at the end of 2026?

John: Graham Rahal

Tyler: Nolan Siegal 

Ceza: Romain Grosjean

Will the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. actually happen?

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. was announced at short notice, and with the added challenge of hosting a street race in the nation’s capital.

John: Yes, but the organisation in advance, and the race itself, will be chaotic.

Tyler: Yes, it’ll happen.

Ceza: Yes

How many times will Romain Grosjean crash in 2026?

Limited to just how many times he will DNF in actual races.

John: Six – Including at least three on the opening lap.

Tyler: Four

Ceza: Four

Will Little Dave finally become Big Dave in 2026?

David Malukas uses the nickname ‘Little Dave’ for several seasons, saying he will change it to ‘Big Dave’ when he wins an IndyCar race. Now with Penske, 2026 could be the chance for a new name.

John: Yes, he’ll finally do it.

Tyler: I hope so, yes.

Ceza: No

Will Penske be caught in another cheating scandal during 2026?

Team Penske were thrown-out of qualifying at the 2025 Indy 500 for using illegal components, and punished for ECU manipulation during the 2024 season. Could it happen again this year?

John: Oh yes

Tyler: No

Ceza: No

Who will win our 2026 IndyCar Fantasy League?

Perhaps the most important question of all. Who will place the highest in our GridRivals Fantasy IndyCar League.

John: Ceza, to avenge last year

Tyler: Ceza

Ceza: Me, (if John and Tyler don’t cheat again)