Key Differences Between F1 and IndyCar in 2026

The 2026 schedules, driver salaries, and more for the top open-wheel racing series

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:47am

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The 2026 IndyCar schedule includes 18 races in North America, while the F1 schedule includes 24 races in 21 nations/principalities. IndyCar driver salaries are often tied to sponsorship deals, while some top F1 drivers reportedly make over $1 million per year. Both series feature former crossover drivers, but the flow has been more from IndyCar to F1 in recent years.

Why it matters

As the top open-wheel racing series, the differences between IndyCar and F1 in 2026 will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders. The schedules, driver salaries, and driver movement between the two series provide insight into the state of the sport and the evolving competitive landscape.

The details

The 2026 IndyCar schedule features 18 races evenly divided between road courses, street courses, and ovals, starting in March in St. Petersburg, Florida and ending in September in Monterey, California. In contrast, the 2026 F1 schedule includes 24 races on road and street courses, beginning in March in Australia and concluding in December in Abu Dhabi. While the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, 2026, F1 will race in Canada on the same day, breaking from its usual premier race in Monaco. Some current IndyCar drivers, including Indy 500 champions Alexander Rossi and Marcus Ericsson, previously raced in F1, but the flow has been more from IndyCar to F1's feeder series in recent years, with Colton Herta leaving IndyCar for F2. Driver salaries also differ, with IndyCar salaries often tied to sponsorship deals, while some top F1 drivers reportedly make over $1 million per year.

  • The 2026 IndyCar schedule includes 18 races starting in March and ending in September.
  • The 2026 F1 schedule includes 24 races starting in March and ending in December.
  • The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
  • F1 will race in Canada on the same day as the Indy 500, breaking from its usual premier race in Monaco (which is on June 7 this year).

The players

Alexander Rossi

An IndyCar driver who is an Indy 500 champion and previously raced in F1.

Marcus Ericsson

An IndyCar driver who is an Indy 500 champion and previously raced in F1.

Colton Herta

An IndyCar driver who has left the series to race in F2, a steppingstone to F1.

Fernando Alonso

An F1 driver who has competed in two Indy 500s.

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The takeaway

The key differences between F1 and IndyCar in 2026 highlight the evolving competitive landscape in open-wheel racing. While IndyCar remains focused on North America, F1 continues to expand its global footprint. The driver movement and salary structures also reflect the distinct priorities and prestige of the two series, providing motorsports fans and industry insiders with valuable insights into the state of the sport.