IndyCar is set to kick off its season with an exhilarating four-race lineup in March, including a notable return to Phoenix Raceway, the introduction of three new venues, and the highly anticipated debut of Mick Schumacher, the son of motorsports legend Michael Schumacher, in a North American series.
The season launches this Sunday on the streets of St. Petersburg, featuring a competitive field of 25 drivers headed by last year’s defending champion, Alex Palou. The Spanish racer began his title quest last season with a victory at the same street course, eventually claiming eight wins—including the prestigious Indianapolis 500—and securing his third consecutive IndyCar championship. This season, he aims for a remarkable fifth title within six years while remaining with the Chip Ganassi Racing team, following a resolved breach of contract lawsuit with McLaren.
Palou acknowledges the challenge of replicating the success of 2025, where he achieved an extraordinary feat, yet he remains determined. “I would love to have another season like 2025, but I’ll try,” Palou stated.
Among his contenders are teammates and rivals such as Scott Dixon, a six-time champ who seeks to bounce back from a disappointing one-win season, and the strong entries from Team Penske and McLaren. Pato O’Ward, who finished second in the standings last season, will be part of McLaren’s quest for consistency this year. Additionally, Andretti Global is poised to make waves with their new acquisition of Will Power and other critical hires, potentially reestablishing themselves as contenders for the championship.
Power, who turns 45 on the same day as the season opener, embarks on his first race outside of the Penske team since 2009, implicating a significant shift for both him and the organization. The experienced driver brings a wealth of knowledge to the Andretti team as they aim to recover from a challenging prior season where they struggled for wins.
With a robust 18-race schedule, the series is embracing an expanded presence on the racing calendar, featuring new tracks like the Streets of Arlington in collaboration with the Dallas Cowboys, and movements away from traditional venues such as Toronto to Markham, Ontario. The season wraps up with a finale at Laguna Seca in September, marking its first return since 2023.
The spotlight will also be on Mick Schumacher this season, a notable newcomer who transitions from Formula 1 to IndyCar. The 26-year-old has spent recent years as a reserve driver for Mercedes and is eager to carve out his path in open-wheel racing with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team. As he adapts to oval racing, Schumacher is set to benefit from the mentorship of teammate Graham Rahal.
This exciting new season promises to be filled with competitive racing, familiar faces, and fresh talent, ensuring that fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience in the 2023 IndyCar series.