The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for May 24, 2026, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is steadily coming into focus as teams finalize their driver lineups for the iconic event. With the NTT IndyCar Series offseason winding down and the season opener at St. Petersburg just weeks away, the field is approaching the traditional 33-car grid. Provisional entries currently stand at around 31, leaving room for a few more additions as announcements trickle in. Defending winner Álex Palou enters as a heavy favorite, carrying momentum from his recent victories and a strong Chip Ganassi Racing program, but the buildup to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” remains charged with intrigue due to several unresolved questions.
Many top teams have locked in their full-time drivers for the 2026 campaign, with some extending those commitments to the Indy 500. Team Penske, a perennial powerhouse, fields Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas in Chevrolets, maintaining a formidable trio capable of contending for both the pole and the win. Andretti Global boasts a revamped lineup featuring Will Power, who made a high-profile switch from Penske after 17 years, alongside Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson—all Honda-powered and poised for strong oval performances. Chip Ganassi Racing keeps its core intact with Scott Dixon, Álex Palou, and Kyffin Simpson, a group that combines experience, consistency, and speed on the 2.5-mile oval.
Arrow McLaren has confirmed its full-season drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard, while adding 2014 Indy 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay for the No. 31 Chevrolet entry in the 500—a move that brings veteran savvy and oval expertise to the team. Meyer Shank Racing continues with Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong full-time, supplemented by Hélio Castroneves in the No. 06 for what could be another memorable run from the four-time winner. Ed Carpenter Racing has solidified Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen as full-timers, with team owner Ed Carpenter returning for his 23rd consecutive Indy 500 start in the No. 33 Chevrolet, announced recently to much fanfare.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing features Graham Rahal, Louis Foster, and rookie Mick Schumacher, the former Formula 1 driver making his full IndyCar transition. Juncos Hollinger Racing runs Rinus VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb, both Chevrolet entries with VeeKay bringing fresh energy after his move from Dale Coyne Racing. A.J. Foyt Racing has Santino Ferrucci and rookie Caio Collet, while newer entries like PREMA Racing debut with Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott.
Despite this progress, six key uncertainties continue to fuel speculation and maintain suspense around the final grid composition. The most prominent involves Dale Coyne Racing, where rookie Dennis Hauger—fresh off his Indy NXT championship and bolstered by a technical alliance with Andretti Global—is confirmed for one entry. The second full-time seat remains open, with rumors pointing strongly to Romain Grosjean as a likely candidate for a return to the series where he previously competed part-time. Grosjean’s experience and availability after a year as PREMA’s reserve make him a logical fit, but no official word has emerged.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, a team focused primarily on the Indy 500, has Jack Harvey locked in for one Chevrolet, but the second driver is unannounced. Oval specialist Conor Daly, who lost his full-time ride elsewhere, surfaces frequently in discussions as a strong possibility given his track record and familiarity with the team setup.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has been linked to Takuma Sato for a potential one-off entry, adding another former winner to the mix if confirmed. Meyer Shank Racing could field a fourth car, though details are sparse. Andretti Global’s potential fourth entry remains unclear following Marco Andretti’s retirement announcement late last year, leaving questions about whether the team expands for the 500.
These gaps highlight the dynamic nature of Indy 500 preparations, where sponsorships, budgets, and strategic partnerships often dictate final decisions closer to the event. Additional entries from teams like Abel Motorsports or others could push the field beyond 33, potentially requiring a bump day scenario if oversubscribed.
As the sport heads toward Content Days and preseason testing, these unanswered questions add layers of anticipation. Fans eagerly await confirmations that could reshape qualifying battles and race strategy. With drivers like Hunter-Reay seeking redemption, veterans like Carpenter chasing milestone starts, and rookies like Hauger and Schumacher eyeing breakthroughs, the 2026 edition promises drama from the green flag to the checkered.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to prepare for what is expected to be another sold-out spectacle, with the eyes of the motorsports world fixed on Gasoline Alley. While much of the puzzle is in place, those remaining pieces ensure the story of the 110th Indy 500 is far from complete.
