Several former Formula 1 drivers will be chasing Indy 500 glory this weekend, with Mick Schumacher and Romain Grosjean among the biggest names on the grid.
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 features five ex-F1 drivers across the 33-car field, giving this year’s race an added layer of international attention ahead of Sunday’s green flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Alexander Rossi headlines the former F1 contingent after qualifying on the front row, while Schumacher prepares for his first appearance in IndyCar’s biggest race.
Former Formula 1 experience adds major intrigue to this year’s field
Five former Formula 1 drivers will take part in the 2026 Indianapolis 500:
- Alexander Rossi
- Takuma Sato
- Mick Schumacher
- Romain Grosjean
- Marcus Ericsson
Rossi enters the weekend as the leading former Formula 1 driver on the grid after qualifying second for Ed Carpenter Racing. The American remains one of the most experienced Indy 500 drivers in the field after winning the race as a rookie back in 2016.
Takuma Sato also arrives with strong Indianapolis credentials after qualifying 12th for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The Japanese veteran is a two-time Indy 500 winner and remains the only Asian driver to win the race.
Mick Schumacher will make his Indy 500 debut after moving to IndyCar following his Formula 1 career with Haas. Schumacher qualified 27th for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and arrives in Indianapolis after previously competing in endurance racing and the World Endurance Championship.
Romain Grosjean returns for another attempt at Indy 500 success after qualifying 24th for Dale Coyne Racing. The Frenchman has recorded six IndyCar podiums since leaving Formula 1 and continues searching for a breakthrough result at Indianapolis.
Marcus Ericsson completes the former Formula 1 group after qualifying 17th for Andretti Global. Ericsson won the Indy 500 in 2022 and remains one of the strongest oval racers in the current IndyCar field.
Alex Palou remains the driver everyone must beat at Indianapolis
Although several former Formula 1 names bring added attention to the event, Alex Palou enters Sunday as the clear favourite after securing pole position during the Firestone Fast Six session. The reigning Indy 500 winner has carried his dominant early-season form directly into Indianapolis.
Palou posted the fastest four-lap qualifying average and will start alongside Rossi and David Malukas on the front row. Josef Newgarden, another former Indy 500 winner, faces a much more difficult afternoon after qualifying 23rd.
The former Formula 1 drivers still bring plenty of intrigue to the race, especially with Rossi starting near the front and Ericsson already proven around the Brickyard. Schumacher’s debut and Grosjean’s latest attempt to finally conquer Indianapolis also add extra storylines to an already stacked field.
Sunday’s race is expected to take place in dry weather conditions, which should increase the importance of outright pace and long run consistency across the 200-lap event.
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