IndyCar Favorites Emerge for 2026 Championship

Odds and predictions for the upcoming IndyCar season

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The 2026 IndyCar season is underway, and the odds for the championship are already taking shape. Last year's champion, Alex Palou, is among the favorites to win his fifth title, but he'll face stiff competition from a talented field of drivers. The championship will be determined by who earns the most points over the course of the entire season.

Why it matters

IndyCar racing is a major part of the sports landscape, and the championship battle is always closely watched by fans and bettors alike. Predicting the favorites early on can give insight into how the season might unfold and which drivers and teams are poised for success.

The details

According to the latest odds from BetMGM, Alex Palou is the favorite to win the 2026 IndyCar championship. Palou, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing, has won four titles in the last five years and is looking to add to his legacy. Other top contenders include Pato O'Ward, Josef Newgarden, and Scott Dixon, all of whom have won multiple IndyCar championships in recent years.

  • The 2026 IndyCar season is currently underway.
  • Palou won the 2025 IndyCar championship at Nashville Superspeedway.

The players

Alex Palou

A four-time IndyCar champion who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing and is the favorite to win the 2026 title.

Pato O'Ward

A rising star in IndyCar who has won multiple championships and is expected to be a top contender in 2026.

Josef Newgarden

A veteran IndyCar driver who has won multiple championships and is always a threat to win the title.

Scott Dixon

A legendary IndyCar driver who has won multiple championships and is still a force to be reckoned with.

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What they’re saying

“Alex Palou has been the driver to beat in IndyCar for the last several years, and I expect that trend to continue in 2026.”

— Dario Franchitti, IndyCar Analyst (ESPN)

“The competition in IndyCar is as fierce as it's ever been, and any one of these top drivers could emerge victorious in 2026.”

— Helio Castroneves, IndyCar Legend (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The 2026 IndyCar season will continue to unfold, with the championship battle likely coming down to the wire. Fans and bettors will be closely watching to see which driver emerges victorious.

The takeaway

The 2026 IndyCar season promises to be an exciting one, with a talented field of drivers vying for the championship. While Alex Palou is the favorite, the competition is fierce, and any of the top contenders could emerge victorious in the end.