The 2025 INDYCAR Season: A Comprehensive Guide to the Drivers You Need to Know

Introduction to the 2025 INDYCAR Season

The 2025 INDYCAR season is set to kick off with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and fans are buzzing with excitement. With 27 full-time drivers vying for glory, the competition is fierce, and there’s no shortage of talent on the track. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of INDYCAR, there’s something for everyone this season. Each driver has their own unique story, personality, and style, making it easy to find someone to root for. Below, we dive into the profiles of these drivers, highlighting their achievements, quirks, and reasons why fans should cheer for them.

The Established Champions: Proven Talent on the Track

The INDYCAR series is home to some of the most accomplished drivers in motorsports, and several names stand out as the ones to watch this season. Pato O’Ward, the Mexican McLaren driver, has built a massive following both on and off the track. With seven wins in the last four years, he’s a force to be reckoned with. A self-proclaimed foodie, O’Ward promises to deliver "great entertainment all year."

Josef Newgarden, a Penske driver, has 31 wins in the last decade, including back-to-back Indy 500 victories. Known for his emotional highs and lows, Newgarden is a fighter who thrives on competition. Fun fact: he’s also a Ninja Warrior alum and even participated in the NFL Combine! Newgarden says, "If you want to cheer on someone that is the ultimate competitor, that’s me."

Will Power, another Penske standout, is celebrated for his passion and emotional outbursts. Despite his fiery temperament, he’s quick to move on from conflicts. A drummer at heart, Power loves racing with the same intensity he once reserved for his drum set. "I’m very, very passionate about what I do," he declares.

Scott Dixon, the 44-year-old Ganassi driver, is INDYCAR royalty with six championships and 58 victories under his belt. A New Zealander honored by Queen Elizabeth II, Dixon shows no signs of slowing down, even as fans speculate about his eventual retirement. "Why shouldn’t they root for me?" Dixon asks with a grin, hinting at his quest for a seventh championship.

Alex Palou, the three-time champion, is a model of consistency, finishing in the top three 44% of the time. This Spanish superstar is also a passionate pickleball player. "I always try my best on track," Palou says, inviting fans to come and see for themselves.

Colton Herta, Andretti’s golden boy, has nine wins to his name and a reputation for speed. His wavy hair and rockstar side gigs (he plays drums in a band called The Zibs) make him a fan favorite. "I’m extremely fast," Herta says casually. "I win races, and I’ve got a great team behind me."

Kyle Kirkwood rounds out this group, a Floridian who loves surfing and deep-sea fishing. Kirkwood won twice in 2023 and is quick to remind fans he’s the best—though he’s only joking (or is he?). "I’m the guy that came up from karting with no racing background," he says with pride.

Fan Favorites: Personality and Passion on Full Display

While talent is essential, it’s the personalities that make INDYCAR truly special. Marcus Ericsson, a Ganassi-turned-Andretti driver, is known for his tenacity on the track and his humility off it. A former youth hockey goalie from Sweden, Ericsson says, "I’m just a normal guy from Sweden living my dream."

Scott McLaughlin, a Penske driver, brought his winning spirit from Australia and New Zealand to the U.S. Though his transition to INDYCAR was rocky, McLaughlin’s charm and weekly golf games with NASCAR star Ryan Blaney have endeared him to fans. "I’m a fun guy," McLaughlin says. "We have fun but are serious about our business."

Santino Ferrucci, the "bad boy" of INDYCAR, is known for his bold moves and unapologetic attitude. Despite his tough exterior, the Connecticut native is a former GQ prodigy with a knack for making headlines. Ferrucci calls himself "a breath of fresh air for the series."

Conor Daly, a Juncos Hollinger Racing driver, is a podcast host, racing enthusiast, and self-proclaimed fan of the sport. Daly’s infectious enthusiasm and love for celebrating victories (and even near-misses) make him relatable. "I love racing," Daly says. "I like to be a fan myself."

Graham Rahal, the Ohio State superfan, has six career wins and a reputation as one of the "nice guys" of INDYCAR. After nearly two decades in the sport, Rahal remains as hungry as ever. "I’ve been through the goods, the bads," he says. "We keep pushing on."

Rossi, now with Ed Carpenter Racing, is a fan favorite with a knack for storytelling. The 33-year-old pilot has had his share of highs and lows but continues to charm fans with his weekly podcast and love of flying.

Felix Rosenqvist, one of the friendliest drivers in the paddock, is a Swedish sensation with a passion for skiing, skateboarding, and video games. Rosenqvist’s humility shines through when he shrugs off the question of why fans should root for him: "I don’t know," he says with a smile. "That’s a question for you."

The Young and the Bold: Rising Stars to Watch

The 2025 season also sees a wave of young talent hitting the track, ready to make their mark. Armstrong, Siegel, and Malukas are three names to keep an eye on. Armstrong, a former Ganassi standout now at Meyer Shank, is known for his speed and charisma. "I’m kinda cool," he says with a grin.

Siegel, a McLaren rookie, deferred his admission to Stanford to chase racing glory. With a knack for style and confidence, Siegel promises to win races and turn heads. "I drive a good-looking race car," he says, "and I’m going to win some races."

Malukas, now at Foyt, has two podium finishes under his belt and a sense of humor to match his talent. He jokes that fans should root for him because "there will be a lot of memes" coming their way.

Christian Lundgaard, a McLaren newcomer, is fresh off a promising three-year stint at Rahal. With one win already to his name, Lundgaard is ready to take on the best. "Hopefully I’m going to beat all of them," he says with determination.

Rasmussen, a Danish driver at Ed Carpenter, made a name for himself in 2023 with a series of solid performances. A lover of old cars, Rasmussen is quietly confident about his team’s chances. "Good things are happening," he says.

Ilott, a British driver at Prema, is no stranger to the spotlight after impressing with McLaren in 2023. With a youthful energy and love for racing, Ilott is ready to prove his doubters wrong. "I’m fun," he says. "I love racing."

New Faces and Hidden Gems: Don’t Sleep on These Drivers

The 2025 season also introduces fresh faces and under-the-radar talent. Simpson, a Ganassi sophomore, is still finding his footing but showed flashes of promise last year. Robb, aScotland-inspired name and a Juncos Hollinger driver, is a spiritual, patriotic racer with a love for faith and fast cars.

DeFrancesco, a Rahal pilot and self-proclaimed "fun, outgoing Canadian," is back after a two-year hiatus. Foster and Abel, the top two finishers in the INDY NXT series, are making their INDYCAR debuts. Foster, at Rahal, describes himself as "rookie and new" but ready to learn, while Abel, at Dale Coyne, is the "normal, Midwest, American kid" who’s as relatable as they come.

Rounding out this group is Shwartzman, a 25-year-old Israeli-Russian driver with a massive Instagram following and a love for Star Wars. Despite his Ferrari background, Shwartzman is still unproven in INDYCAR. "I’m funny," he says with a grin, "and I want to believe I can deliver results where they can cheer for me."

Why You Should Tune In: The INDYCAR Season Promises Action and Entertainment

With such a diverse and talented field, the 2025 INDYCAR season is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you’re drawn to the proven champions, the rising stars, or the quirky personalities, there’s something for everyone.

The combination of speed, skill, and unpredictability on the track is matched only by the off-track charm of these drivers. From their hobbies and passions to their heartfelt quotes, the INDYCAR paddock is a place where fans can find a true connection with the sport and its stars.

So, who should you root for? The answer is simple: root for the driver who makes you smile, who inspires you, or who reminds you of yourself. With so much talent and personality on display, the 2025 INDYCAR season is guaranteed to deliver memories that will last a lifetime.