The NTT IndyCar Series is set to begin its 2025 season with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, marking the fifth consecutive year the city has hosted the opener and the 14th time in 16 years overall. This 100-lap contest takes place on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit, launching an 18-race schedule not seen since 2014. The importance of qualifying on this tight street course is clear, although the winner rarely comes from the front row — a feat last accomplished by Scott McLaughlin in 2022.
Review of Round 1 Qualifying Performances
The initial phase of qualifying saw strong performances in Group 1, where Marcus Ericsson topped the session driving the No. 28 Andretti Global Honda. He was closely followed by Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and Romain Grosjean representing Dale Coyne Racing in third. Completing the top ten in this group were Louis Foster, Scott McLaughlin, Felix Rosenqvist, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood, Santino Ferrucci, and Rinus VeeKay. Drivers Mick Schumacher and Josef Newgarden rounded out the group’s twelfth place.
Subsequent Qualifying Rounds and Firestone Fast Six Summary
After the initial group sessions, drivers advanced through Round 2 and into the Firestone Fast Six, where the fastest contenders battled for pole position. These stages intensified competition on the narrow city streets, showcasing top talent from teams such as Team Penske Chevrolet and Meyer Shank Racing. Details from these sessions determined the final starting positions for Sunday’s race.
Complete Starting Grid for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix
The full lineup reflects a diverse field with notable names like Alex Palou, who triumphed from an eighth-place start in last year’s opener and held the championship lead throughout to claim his third consecutive title. This year’s grid lists diverse entries from Andretti Global, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and other prominent organizations, setting the stage for an intense opening race. The competition promises to be fierce, with drivers eager to break the pattern and capture victory from various starting positions.
Broadcast and Viewer Information for Race Day
Fans can catch all the action live on Fox, with coverage starting at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, March 1. A free trial of FuboTV is also available for those wanting to watch the race without interruption. As the drivers prepare to navigate the challenging course, anticipation builds for a thrilling and strategic start to the IndyCar season.
