Josef Newgarden has claimed the top spot in the 2026 IndyCar Power Rankings after his victory at Phoenix Raceway this past Saturday. His performance pushed him past previous leader Alex Palou, who slipped to fifth in the standings after a crash. This rapid shift reflects the intense competition in the early stages of the season.
Power Rankings Overview After Two Races
The IndyCar Power Rankings reveal several changes and ongoing battles among drivers two races into the season. Marcus Ericsson and Will Power, who were ranked eighth and ninth respectively last week, have dropped out of this week’s top ten, joined by Christian Rasmussen who remains a notable presence. Below is the detailed ranking from tenth to first, highlighting key performances and shifts.
Drivers Positioned Just Outside the Top Ten
Alexander Rossi makes a return to the rankings at tenth after consistent results at Phoenix, starting and finishing sixth, contributing solid points for the ECR team. Marcus Armstrong held steady at ninth with a strong fifth-place finish at Phoenix following an 11th place in the season opener. His progress with Meyer Shank Racing shows promise but requires added consistency.
Mid-Pack Contenders Showing Potential
David Malukas reached eighth, delivering a standout weekend by securing pole position and finishing third at Phoenix. His quick adaptation to Team Penske’s program suggests he will continue to rise. Christian Lundgaard, now seventh, struggled at Phoenix with a 13th-place finish, indicating ongoing challenges on short ovals, yet his strong third-place at St. Pete and upcoming street race in Arlington provide opportunities for improvement.
Scott Dixon, ranked sixth, performed better than in the season opener, finishing seventh at Phoenix. Although not ideal, this marks progress, and his recent encounter with Michael Jordan during the weekend could boost morale.
Top Five Drivers Remaining Strong
Scott McLaughlin now sits fifth after finishing eighth at Phoenix, dropping only one spot from second last week. Like Lundgaard, he is expected to be a contender at Arlington’s street course. Pato O’Ward continues to deliver consistent results with back-to-back top-five finishes, placing fourth, though he is yet to secure a podium this season.
Kyle Kirkwood holds third place after finishing fourth at St. Pete and second at Phoenix, signaling a strong presence with Andretti Global. Meanwhile, Alex Palou, formerly number one, fell to second as his crash affected his standings, but he remains a leading competitor for race wins.
Newgarden’s Remarkable Climb to Number One
Jumping to the top from sixth last week, Josef Newgarden’s win at Phoenix marked his second victory in the last three races, after a winless 2025 season until the finale. His resurgence with Team Penske establishes him as a serious title contender and signals a competitive, unpredictable season ahead.
