INDYCAR Drivers Reveal Insights on Key Issues Ahead of 2026 Season

Anonymously surveyed INDYCAR drivers share their thoughts on championship format, new venues, and driver reputations.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In an exclusive survey, 25 full-time INDYCAR drivers provided their candid insights on a range of pressing issues facing the series ahead of the 2026 season. The drivers weighed in on topics such as the championship format, excitement over new venues, expectations for top drivers, and which competitors they trust the most and least in close-quarters racing.

Why it matters

As the 2026 INDYCAR season approaches, this anonymous survey offers a rare inside look at the perspectives and concerns of the drivers themselves. Their feedback provides valuable context on key decisions facing the series and highlights the competitive dynamics between top drivers that will shape the upcoming campaign.

The details

The survey covered six key questions, with drivers selecting their preferred answers. On the championship format, 22 drivers opposed any changes to the full-season points system, while only 3 were open to an alternative. Regarding new venues, the Arlington circuit was overwhelmingly the most anticipated, with all 25 drivers voting for it over Phoenix and Markham. Driver expectations were more mixed, with 10 votes each for Will Power winning 2 races or just 1 in his first year with a new team. The survey also revealed the drivers deemed most and least trustworthy in side-by-side racing, with Scott Dixon and Christian Rasmussen topping those respective lists.

  • The survey was conducted last month with the 25 full-time INDYCAR drivers.
  • The results were shared with drivers at the Phoenix test last week.

The players

Will Power

A veteran INDYCAR driver who is joining a new team for the 2026 season and faces uncertainty over his expected performance.

Scott Dixon

A highly respected INDYCAR driver who is considered one of the most trusted competitors in close-quarters racing.

Christian Rasmussen

An INDYCAR driver who was identified by his peers as the least trusted competitor in side-by-side racing.

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What they’re saying

“No playoffs, please.”

— Felix Rosenqvist, INDYCAR Driver

“NASCAR's format works well because of there's so many races. I don't like how it boils down to one race, winner takes all [which has since changed]. But INDYCAR, since our championship is so short, I do think that we keep our point system. I think it makes a lot of sense.”

— Santino Ferrucci, INDYCAR Driver

“It's quite unknown, isn't it? It's like, where are you going to stack up? It's very difficult to win in INDYCAR these days. So I hope we win some races. I really do. We've definitely got the capability.”

— Will Power

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This anonymous survey of INDYCAR drivers provides a rare glimpse into the perspectives and dynamics within the series as it heads into the 2026 season. The feedback highlights key issues like the championship format, excitement over new venues, and the reputations of top competitors - all of which will shape the upcoming campaign.