Indy 500 Preview

The 24th May will mark the 110th running of the Indy 500, qualifying has already bought the action, so here is everything you need to know before the race. 

(Image credit to @indycar on Instagram)

The Indianapolis motor speedway is 2.5 miles long and brings fans 200 laps (500 miles) of racing and action. It’s a completely oval circuit bringing challenges to the drivers. 

Last year’s winner, Alex Palou claimed pole position after rain bought a condensed one-day qualifying format. The experienced driver will be aiming for back to back wins to cement his name as one of the Indy 500 greats. He is followed by Alexander Rossi, one of three drivers to ever win this race as a rookie. In past seasons this has been Rossi’s best race. The circuit brings him and the car alive. However there is doubt over him starting the race after he had to undergo procedures on his left hand and right ankle after an accident in free practice. The final spot on the front row is claimed by David Malukas, last year he finished 2nd here, his best ever finish in the Indy 500, this year he’ll be wanting to beat that and win.

A driver to watch is Pato O’Ward. The McLaren Arrow driver has qualified 6th putting him close to the leading drivers. He is known for his aggressive and risk-taking driving style making him the kind of driver that thrives here. The circuit calls for taking risks for rewards and he’ll be hoping to monopolise on this.

(Image credit to @indycar on Instagram)

The rookie battle will be on to watch this year. The four rookies of Schumacher, Hauger, Collet and Abel all have limited experience on ovals but especially Schumacher. Whilst he was a formula 1 driver, at the Indy 500 that means nothing, tyre management on an oval is contrastingly different. Collet has been the top rookie so far and will be wanting to keep this status. They all want to prove why they have their seats.

Strategy is key here. With refueling and the constant battles going on the pit sequence can define a race. The use of refueling means teams can run different fuel levels in different sectors of the race to benefit themselves when in certain positions or battles. Watch out for how this plays out. 

The most important thing to remember is, the race is long, anything can happen.

Article written by Imogen Moggridge © Imogen Moggridge 2026