The F1 drivers taking part in 2026 Indy 500

A total of five former Formula 1 drivers will take part in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, bringing a blend of experience, past glory, and fresh ambition to the iconic race.

The most successful of the group in F1 is Romain Grosjean, a 10-time podium finisher whose career ended after his dramatic fiery crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. Joining him is Takuma Sato, who found greater success at the Brickyard than in F1, becoming the first Asian winner of the 500 in 2017 and winning again in 2020. Sato's sole F1 podium came at the 2004 United States GP on the same IMS road course.

Why it matters:

The presence of multiple experienced F1 alumni underscores the ongoing cross-pollination between open-wheel series. The Indy 500 continues to attract drivers seeking a new challenge or a shot at one of motorsport's greatest prizes, and these five bring varying levels of oval expertise and name recognition that could shape the race's narrative.

The details:

• Romain Grosjean: The French driver, known for his Haas tenure and 10 F1 podiums, will make his Indy 500 debut after his F1 career ended in 2020.
• Takuma Sato: A two-time Indy 500 winner (2017, 2020) and former F1 driver for Jordan, BAR, and Super Aguri. His Indy success far outshines his single F1 podium.
• Mick Schumacher: The 2021-2022 Haas driver and son of Michael Schumacher will compete in his first Indy 500, seeking to build a new chapter after his F1 stint.
• Alexander Rossi: The 2016 Indy 500 winner on debut, Rossi left F1 after the 2015 season with Marussia and has since become a championship contender in IndyCar.
• Marcus Ericsson: The former Sauber and Alfa Romeo driver (2014-2018) claimed his own Indy 500 victory in 2022, proving his adaptability to oval racing.

The big picture:

This mix of veterans and newcomers reflects the Indy 500's unique appeal. Grosjean and Schumacher bring F1 star power but limited oval experience, while Sato, Rossi, and Ericsson have already mastered the Brickyard. Their combined presence adds depth to the grid and keeps the F1-Indy crossover narrative alive.