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Dixon Today
By the People, for the People
Alex Palou Remains Top Driver to Beat in 2026 INDYCAR Season
Reigning champion looks to continue his dominance as several drivers aim to challenge his throne
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Alex Palou enters the 2026 INDYCAR season as the driver to beat, having won four championships in the last three years. While several drivers like Marcus Armstrong, David Malukas, and Christian Rasmussen are on the verge of breaking through, Palou's Ganassi teammate Scott Dixon, McLaren's Pato O'Ward, and Andretti's Kyle Kirkwood are among those expected to pose the biggest threat to Palou's reign.
Why it matters
Palou's continued success has solidified him as one of the premier drivers in INDYCAR, but the series is seeing an influx of young talent looking to unseat the reigning champion. The battle at the top of the standings will be closely watched as the 2026 season gets underway.
The details
Palou topped the preseason power rankings, with Fox Sports' writer noting that even if he is only "75 percent as dominant" as last season, he would still likely win the title. However, several drivers are primed to challenge, including Pato O'Ward, who was the only one to truly threaten Palou late in the 2025 season, as well as Kyle Kirkwood, who had a breakout year with three victories. Scott Dixon, Christian Lundgaard, and Josef Newgarden are also expected to be in the mix for the championship.
- The 2026 INDYCAR season begins on Sunday, February 26 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The players
Alex Palou
The reigning four-time INDYCAR champion, having won the title in each of the last three seasons. Palou is the clear favorite to win again in 2026.
Pato O'Ward
The McLaren driver was the only one to truly challenge Palou late in the 2025 season and is expected to be a top contender for the championship in 2026.
Kyle Kirkwood
The 27-year-old Andretti driver had a breakout 2025 season with three victories and is primed to take the next step and compete for the title in 2026.
Scott Dixon
The veteran Ganassi driver is entering his 26th INDYCAR season and will look to rebound after winning only once in 2025, finishing third in the standings.
Josef Newgarden
The Team Penske driver is expected to bounce back after a disappointing 12th-place finish in the 2025 standings.
What’s next
The 2026 INDYCAR season begins on Sunday, February 26 in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Palou will look to pick up where he left off and fend off the challenges from his top competitors.
The takeaway
Alex Palou's dominance over the past three seasons has cemented his status as the driver to beat in INDYCAR, but a new generation of talent is emerging and ready to challenge the reigning champion's throne in 2026.
