St. Petersburg Grand Prix: Palou Eyes History as IndyCar Season Begins
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season kicks off this weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, with the Firestone Grand Prix. Alex Palou arrives aiming for a historic fourth consecutive championship, while several drivers are looking to make a strong start to the season. Coverage begins at noon ET Sunday on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Favorites to Watch
Several drivers enter the St. Petersburg race as strong contenders. Josef Newgarden, driving for Team Penske, has dramatically improved his performance at this track, securing two wins and a runner-up finish in his last seven races. Scott McLaughlin, last year’s P1 Award winner, is also expected to be competitive, having won the 2022 race from pole position.
Defending champion Alex Palou boasts a strong record on street courses, with nine podium finishes in his last 19 attempts. Will Power, now with Andretti Global, has a history of success at St. Petersburg, including a win in 2010 and nine P1 Awards. Kyle Kirkwood has consistently improved his finishes in St. Petersburg, moving from 18th in 2022 to fifth last year, and has a strong record on street courses overall.
Sleepers to Consider
Beyond the favorites, several drivers could surprise with strong performances. Christian Lundgaard has shown promise on street courses, averaging an eighth-place finish in his first season with Arrow McLaren. Kyffin Simpson, despite previous finishes of 12th and 18th in St. Petersburg, has secured three top-10 finishes in four street course starts last year.
Scott Dixon, a consistent performer, finished as the runner-up last year and has a history of strong results at St. Petersburg. Marcus Ericsson, the 2023 race winner, is considered a sleeper due to recent inconsistencies on street courses, but has a strong track record at this event. Felix Rosenqvist, driving for Meyer Shank Racing, qualified second and finished fifth in 2024, demonstrating his potential on this circuit.
Track Details and Race Information
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit that incorporates streets of downtown St. Petersburg and a section of runway at Albert Whitted Airport. The 100-lap, 180-mile contest is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, with the green flag set to fly at 12:29 p.m. ET.
Recent Success Predicts Competitive Field
Eric Smith of INDYCAR.com’s 10 picks for favorites and sleepers last year swept the top eight finishing positions, highlighting the accuracy of his pre-race analysis. This year’s selections suggest a highly competitive field with multiple drivers capable of contending for the win.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg?
A: The race will be broadcast live on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, and the INDYCAR Radio Network, and streams live on the FOX Sports app.
Q: How long is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg?
A: The race is 100 laps, covering a distance of 180 miles.
Q: What makes the St. Petersburg track unique?
A: The 1.8-mile circuit combines downtown streets with a section of the Albert Whitted Airport runway, creating a challenging and fast-paced course.
Q: Who is the defending champion?
A: Alex Palou is the defending NTT IndyCar Series champion.
Did you know? Will Power has nine NTT P1 Awards at St. Petersburg.
Explore more INDYCAR race previews and results on the official website.
