IndyCar Drivers Uncertain About New Tire Strategy for St. Petersburg

Mandatory use of one set of primary and two sets of alternate tires raises questions about race strategy

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Several IndyCar drivers are expressing uncertainty about how the new tire strategy requirements for street courses will affect the racing at the upcoming Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The updated rule now mandates the use of one set of primary (hard) tires and two sets of alternate (soft) tires, up from the previous requirement of one set of each. Drivers are unsure how the new Firestone ENLITEN Technology tires will perform and how that will impact their race strategies.

Why it matters

The new tire strategy could significantly impact the racing and pit stop dynamics at street courses like St. Petersburg. Drivers will need to carefully manage the softer alternate tires, which may degrade faster, potentially leading to more pit stops and altered race strategies compared to previous seasons.

The details

The updated IndyCar tire rule requires drivers to use one set of primary (hard) tires and two sets of alternate (soft) tires during street course races, up from the previous requirement of one set of each compound. This change is intended to introduce more variability and strategy options for teams. However, drivers are unsure how the new Firestone ENLITEN Technology tires, which feature renewable soybean oil and recycled materials, will perform compared to previous years.

  • The new tire rule was introduced earlier this week, ahead of the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The players

Christian Lundgaard

Driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet for Arrow McLaren.

Alexander Rossi

Driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet for ECR.

Kyffin Simpson

Chip Ganassi Racing driver entering his third year in the IndyCar Series.

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What they’re saying

“I think it all depends on the tire. Is the tire good enough? Is it better than last year? I think that's what we all hope. Is it going to be a three-stop probably? Is it going to be a three-stop flat-out? Maybe not, depending on how the tire hangs on.”

— Christian Lundgaard, Driver

“It's supposed to be more durable than last year. How much more durable will dictate where you're going with that question? Because before, let's say you thought it lasted five to eight laps. Did they double that? Did they increase it by 20%? I don't really know.”

— Alexander Rossi, Driver

“Every year it's a new tire, so we'll see how the new tire is this year. If the ultimate is strong enough that you can run 30 laps straight without a problem, then that'll be great, but ultimately I think any time you kind of mandate tire choices like that, it kind of hinders strategy options.”

— Kyffin Simpson, Driver

What’s next

Drivers will get their first chance to test the new tire strategy during practice sessions ahead of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 5th.

The takeaway

The new tire requirements for street courses in the IndyCar Series introduce an element of the unknown that could lead to altered race strategies and more unpredictable racing action at events like the upcoming Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.