Nearly every competitor in the IndyCar series gathered at Sebring International Raceway earlier this week for a two-day private test on the track’s short layout. Although the times recorded during this testing are unofficial, the session offered valuable insights into team and driver performances ahead of the upcoming season. The test highlighted Honda’s emerging advantage across the field, with several of its drivers posting the fastest laps over the two days.
Honda’s Strong Presence Leads the Timing Sheets
Honda drivers set the pace consistently throughout testing. On the first day, reigning champion Alex Palou recorded the quickest time in his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, closely followed by Felix Rosenqvist representing Meyer Shank Racing. On day two, top times were again dominated by Honda racers Marcus Armstrong, Kyle Kirkwood, and Scott Dixon, underscoring the manufacturer’s strong footing at Sebring.
Despite Honda’s dominance, Chevrolet drivers showed competitive speed as well. Rinus VeeKay secured the third fastest lap on the opening day for Ed Carpenter Racing and maintained a position within the top ten on the second day. Team Penske’s trio of drivers also demonstrated promising speed, each recording top-five times on one of the test days.
Scott McLaughlin, who was fifth fastest on the second day, described the test positively, noting that it was better than his previous experiences at Sebring. He commented,
“Just wrapped up our second day of testing at Sebring. Not my favorite place in the world, but it was a better test day than I’ve ever had here.”
He added,
“Really nice. Got a good read on a lot of things. Printer Wagon feels good. All the new guys on the Thirsty Threes working together really well.”
Ready to head to St. Pete. Really excited. Great start to the year.
Scott McLaughlin, IndyCar Driver
Romain Grosjean’s Return and Driver Developments
A notable development during the test was the presence of Romain Grosjean on track, driving the second Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) car, which does not yet have an officially confirmed driver for the 2026 season. Grosjean, who has previously competed in four IndyCar seasons including his rookie year with DCR in 2021, had taken a break last season. His involvement during the pre-season, including participation in media shoots, signals a strong possibility of returning as DCR’s second entry driver, although nothing has been publicly confirmed.
Hunter McElrea, the 2023 IndyNXT runner-up, also tested in the #20 ECR Chevrolet. This car is officially secured for Alexander Rossi for the full season, suggesting McElrea’s appearance could relate to a potential part-time opportunity or a strategy to maintain sharpness should racing chances arise.
Uncertainties Surrounding PREMA’s IndyCar Future
One absence at the test was the PREMA team, which entered IndyCar for just one season and is widely expected to withdraw. Their drivers, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman, were also missing from the test sessions. It remains unclear if PREMA will compete in any races during the 2026 season or if their program will be restructured. The team is also anticipated to skip the upcoming open test at Phoenix International Raceway.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
While private tests do not fully predict season outcomes, the Sebring sessions provided encouraging signs for Honda and its drivers, signaling a potential leading role in the months ahead. The involvement of experienced drivers like Grosjean and promising talents such as McElrea suggests ongoing shifts within team lineups that could influence competitive dynamics. As teams advance toward the season opener in St. Petersburg, observations from Sebring will shape expectations and strategies across the paddock.
