As anticipation for the 2026 IndyCar season grows, one can’t help but imagine the storylines that could unfold on track. Instead of offering predictions, I’ve decided to create a wishlist of scenarios that would elevate the excitement and drama in North America’s premier open-wheel series. Let’s dive in.
The ‘New Year, New Me’ for Will Power
For 2026, the story of Will Power stepping into Andretti Global’s No. 26 Honda car will surely be one of the season’s most intriguing narratives. The 44-year-old Australian, a record holder with 71 IndyCar pole positions, has yet to achieve the one feat that still eludes him—securing pole position at the Indianapolis 500. It would be a defining moment in his legendary career, and what better way to achieve this than by outduelling former Team Penske teammates Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and his successor, David Malukas?
Speaking of Power, it’s high time we witness a long-awaited showdown between him and Scott Dixon, two titans of the sport who have somehow never battled for victory head-to-head. A fight for supremacy between these two icons of the sport would undoubtedly be a highlight of the season.
Scott Dixon’s Quest for No. 7
Now knighted in his home country of New Zealand for his services to motorsport, Scott Dixon’s quest for a record-tying seventh championship is still very much alive. However, Dixon’s title aspirations have been thwarted in recent seasons by the rise of teammate Alex Palou, who has claimed four of the last five titles. Dixon’s results in recent years—finishing fourth (2021), third (2022), second (2023), sixth (2024), and third (2025)—reflect a series of misfortunes, from pit mistakes to poor qualifying efforts, but his ability to bounce back is undeniable. I’d love to see Dixon really challenge Palou for the 2026 crown, reminding fans of his enduring quality as his career nears the quarter-century mark.
Rising Star: Nolan Siegel
Arrow McLaren’s 21-year-old Nolan Siegel enters his final year under contract with the team, and there is plenty of pressure for him to step up. Team Principal Tony Kanaan has already set the challenge—finish in the top 10 in the championship, or face uncertainty. With the driver market expected to be competitive, a breakout season for Siegel could change the course of his future. If Siegel were to land a podium, or even a victory, it would elevate his career and generate considerable interest as the 2027 driver market heats up.
A Year for First-Time Winners
IndyCar’s recent seasons have been filled with surprises, including last year’s victory by Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen at Milwaukee. In 2026, the likes of rookie drivers Caio Collet (AJ Foyt Racing) and Dennis Hauger (Dale Coyne Racing) could very well achieve their first wins. The idea of Mick Schumacher—son of the legendary Michael Schumacher—securing a victory would be a captivating storyline, especially if it happened at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where his father won five times.
Alongside these new faces, a handful of established drivers who have come close but have yet to secure a win would be equally deserving of a breakthrough. Kyffin Simpson (Chip Ganassi Racing), Santino Ferrucci (AJ Foyt Racing), and Marcus Armstrong (Meyer Shank Racing) have all shown flashes of brilliance and could finally bag their first wins in 2026.
End of Droughts
Several established names have found themselves unable to replicate past successes, and 2026 could be the year they end their long droughts. Drivers like Graham Rahal (who last won in 2017), Alexander Rossi (whose last victory came in 2022), and Felix Rosenqvist (victorious in 2020) are all overdue for a win. A few drivers like Marcus Ericsson (victorious in 2023 at St. Petersburg) are also hunting for another trip to Victory Lane.
The Golden Goose: A Third Manufacturer
The ongoing debate about the possibility of a third manufacturer in IndyCar has become somewhat of a running joke, but let’s dream for a moment. With major changes planned for 2028—including a new chassis and a 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engine—there is hope that the elusive third OEM could become a reality. If Honda and Chevrolet are joined by a new competitor, it would inject new energy into the series and fuel the competition further.
More Iconic Sponsorships
One of the most exciting visuals in recent seasons was seeing Jacob Abel’s car adorned in the classic Miller High Life colours, courtesy of Dale Coyne Racing. More moments like this are needed to enrich the sport’s identity. It would be fantastic to see the return of iconic brands such as Miller Lite supporting drivers like Graham Rahal, perhaps echoing the sponsorship his father carried in the late 1990s. A dramatic return to the top step of the podium with this iconic livery would be the stuff of legends.
Elevating the Broadcast Experience
IndyCar’s partnership with FOX Sports has been a game-changer. The 2025 season saw 17 races broadcast on network television, drawing an average of 1.36 million viewers, making it the most-watched season in 17 years. If IndyCar can capitalise on this momentum, particularly with the scheduling of races like the one in Nashville following the FIFA World Cup final, the sport could experience a significant boost in both viewership and sponsorship interest. If the 2026 season features a nail-biting championship battle, it could elevate the series to new heights.
A Race in Mexico
Finally, a race in Mexico is long overdue. Pato O’Ward’s popularity in IndyCar is undeniable, and fans are clamouring for more races outside the United States. After much speculation, it’s time for IndyCar to make the leap and return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. With the right partnerships and overcoming any logistical hurdles, it could be the start of a new chapter for the series in Latin America.
Conclusion
With so many possibilities on the horizon, 2026 could be a landmark year for IndyCar. From new stars to old rivals, from first-time victories to the potential for a third manufacturer, the wishlist for the season is packed with excitement. Whether these scenarios unfold or not, one thing is for sure: IndyCar fans are in for a thrilling ride.
