Indycar 2025: Season Preview and Power Rankings
The 2025 IndyCar Series season kicks off this Sunday at St. Petersburg, with coverage starting at 12 p.m. ET on FOX. The 2024 season was marked by a remarkable level of parity, with no driver winning more than three races out of 17 and no one recording more than seven top-three finishes. This year promises to be another thrilling and competitive season. Here’s a look at the power rankings heading into the year, from 10th to 1st, which will be updated after each race weekend.
The Rising Stars and Contenders
On the Verge: Marcus Armstrong, Christian Lundgaard, Alexander Rossi
Three drivers are on the cusp of breaking into the top 10: Marcus Armstrong, Christian Lundgaard, and Alexander Rossi. Armstrong, a talented young driver, is looking to build on his promising performances. Lundgaard, another rising star, is showing potential with his consistent efforts. Rossi, a seasoned veteran, is known for his ability to turn things around when the pressure is on.
10. Kyle Kirkwood
Kyle Kirkwood finished seventh in the standings last year, the highest among drivers who didn’t win a race. He secured one podium finish, which was impressive for a driver without a win. Kirkwood, who drives for Andretti, will need to deliver more consistent performances to hold his position this year. He has the talent, and the team’s support could push him to new heights in 2025.
9. Nolan Siegel
Nolan Siegel is embarking on his first full season with McLaren. He recorded one top-10 finish in his 10 starts last year, but his youth and potential are generating high hopes within the team. Siegel has the support of a strong organization, and with more experience, he could be a dark horse contender in the coming season.
8. Santino Ferrucci
Santino Ferrucci finished ninth in the standings last year and is set to return to A.J. Foyt Racing for another season. Ferrucci is known for his dramatic and sometimes unpredictable performances, but this consistency could lead to even better finishes in 2025. His return to a familiar team should provide the stability he needs to make a significant impact.
7. Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon, a veteran of the sport, finished sixth in the standings last year, his worst finish since 2016. The Ganassi organization has downsized from five teams to three, adding two Indy NXT cars. Dixon’s ability to regain his dominance both at full throttle and in fuel mileage races will be crucial for his performance this year. His experience and skill make him a formidable contender, and he is likely to improve as the season progresses.
6. Will Power
Will Power, who finished fourth in the standings last year, seems to be underrated at this position. Known for his consistency and precision, Power is a strong contender for the podium and potentially more. His experience and the support of Team Penske should propel him to higher finishes throughout the season.
5. Pato O’Ward
Pato O’Ward, the McLaren driver, had a mixed 2024 season. He secured a win and a second-place finish in the final three races, but also had four finishes of 15th or worse in the final six. O’Ward is the defending winner of St. Petersburg, although he has no memory of the celebration due to the win being awarded to him weeks later following Josef Newgarden’s disqualification. Despite the recent setbacks, O’Ward’s talent and potential make him a strong candidate for success in 2025.
4. Josef Newgarden
Josef Newgarden is one of the stars of the sport, having won the Indy 500 for the second consecutive year. However, he also experienced several potential good runs slipping away last season. Newgarden’s ability to maintain consistency and capitalize on opportunities will be key to his performance this year. His skills and the support of Team Penske mean he is always a threat to win any race.
3. Colton Herta
Colton Herta finished second in the standings last year, capping the season with a win at Nashville. The Andretti Global team has undergone significant changes, but Herta’s momentum and talent make him a strong contender for the top spots. His ability to adapt to the new dynamics within the team will be crucial for his success this season.
2. Scott McLaughlin
Scott McLaughlin, the New Zealander driving for Team Penske, had a successful 2024 season, winning on both ovals and road courses. McLaughlin is coming into his own and is expected to continue his progress this year. His growing confidence and the support of a strong team make him a serious threat for the championship.
1. Alex Palou
Alex Palou, the three-time champion, including back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, is the top-ranked driver heading into the 2025 season. However, his position is not as secure as it might seem. Palou had only two wins last year and is still seeking his first oval victory. Despite these challenges, his talent and the support of Chip Ganassi Racing make him a strong favorite for the championship. The pressure is on Palou to deliver, but he has the skills and determination to rise to the occasion.
Full Coverage on FOX
Bob Pockrass, FOX Motorsports Insider, has been covering NASCAR and IndyCar for decades, bringing his extensive experience to the 2025 IndyCar Series. Fans can catch all the action and follow their favorite drivers with full coverage on FOX, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the excitement and drama of the 2025 season.
