As the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season approaches, Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing stands as the heavy favorite to secure his fifth championship and fourth consecutive title. Known as the dominant force in American open-wheel racing, Palou’s consistent excellence makes him the prime target for challengers eager to end his streak.
While all drivers start fresh in the upcoming 18-race season, the return to a full slate last seen in 2014 adds unpredictability, especially with the new Freedom 250 Grand Prix debuting on the streets of Washington, D.C. This season will test whether any of Palou’s rivals have what it takes to dethrone the reigning champion.
Top Candidates Poised to Challenge Palou’s Reign
Though it may be ambitious to name eight drivers with a realistic shot at unseating Palou, those with odds better than +6000 have been selected, based on precedents from other sports where longshot contenders prevailed. Each driver profiled below holds odds of +2000 or shorter, signaling genuine contenders for the 2026 championship.
1. Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren
Odds: +550
Despite promising seasons, Pato O’Ward has yet to capture either the Indy 500 or an overall IndyCar title. Holding nine career wins, he leads active full-time drivers without these key achievements. Coming off a career-best second place in the 2025 standings, O’Ward faces the challenge of overcoming Palou’s dominance, especially since two tracks where he succeeded last year are now off the schedule.
2. Kyle Kirkwood – Andretti Global
Odds: +700
Kyle Kirkwood stood out in 2025 as the only non-Palou race winner in the first eight events, securing three victories. However, his inconsistency in non-winning races, reflected by just one podium besides his wins, has held him back. As the most experienced driver on Andretti Global’s roster, Kirkwood aims to convert his sporadic success into consistent championship contention.
3. Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske
Odds: +800
Scott McLaughlin entered 2025 as the favorite to break Palou’s winning streak but struggled through a winless season marked by mistakes — including a notable crash during the Indy 500 pace lap. For McLaughlin to be a serious contender in 2026, he will need to recapture the form he showed in 2024 and push beyond it to regain his competitive edge.
3. Josef Newgarden – Team Penske
Odds: +800
Josef Newgarden experienced a disappointing 2025 but remains notable for his past successes, including two Indy 500 wins and early years marked by top finishes. Recent inconsistency and lack of points-finishing supremacy for Team Penske since 2021 have dimmed his prospects. His late-season win in Nashville, preserving an 11-year victory streak, might provide momentum heading into 2026.
5. Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing
Odds: +1600
Scott Dixon holds an impressive streak of winning at least one race every year since 2004, a run narrowly extended in 2025 due to a rare mistake from Palou. Finishing third in points despite a less competitive year, Dixon‘s quest for a seventh championship will be difficult with Palou’s recent dominance but remains possible given his experience and resilience.
6. David Malukas – Team Penske
Odds: +1800
Stepping into Team Penske, David Malukas is expected to find the top-tier support he has been seeking. Having erred previously with lesser teams, Malukas now has the resources to challenge from the start, drawing comparisons to Josef Newgarden’s successful entry into Penske in 2017. Given Palou’s breakthrough in 2021 without previous wins, Malukas’s potential should not be underestimated.
7. Will Power – Andretti Global
Odds: +2000
Will Power’s move to Andretti Global brings uncertainty and hope alike. As the most recent IndyCar champion before Palou’s era and the last to lead the points standings outside of Palou’s grip, Power shows he still has competitive relevance. His 2025 season included a race win and top points finish for Team Penske, suggesting he could regain championship form with the right opportunities.
7. Christian Lundgaard – Arrow McLaren
Odds: +2000
Christian Lundgaard delivered a strong rookie season for Arrow McLaren in 2025, securing fifth in the standings. Yet, like the No. 7 Chevrolet car historically, he seeks that elusive first win with the team. Attaining multiple victories in 2026 appears crucial for Lundgaard to rise into the elite championship conversation and challenge Palou seriously.
Other Drivers with Longer Odds
No other drivers hold odds more favorable than +7000. Noteworthy names in the +7000 to +10000 range include Alexander Rossi of Ed Carpenter Racing (+7000), Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing (+8000), Christian Rasmussen of Ed Carpenter Racing (+10000), Marcus Ericsson of Andretti Global (+10000), and Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing (+10000).
Anticipation Builds for the 2026 IndyCar Season
The 2026 season, launching with the historic return to an 18-race schedule, will be closely watched as drivers attempt to dethrone Alex Palou IndyCar favorite. Coverage kicks off with the season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring live broadcasts of all races on Fox. This season promises a high-stakes battle, with emerging contenders keen to challenge the established champion and add new chapters to IndyCar history.
