The final four IndyCar seats and potential contenders for 2025

There are four full-time seats remaining on the grid for the IndyCar Series 2025 season, with more than a handful of talented drivers competing for a spot. Here are details of what to expect.

JHR has already announced Sting Ray Robb as one of its two drivers for next yearwhile some thought romain grosjean Notably he returns after leading the team to its first-ever IndyCar result with a fourth-place finish at Laguna Seca last season. He is on the shortlist of candidates but is not the favourite.

as things stand, Connor Daly The frontrunners are in the race to take the seat alongside Rob, who could potentially be announced as soon as next week. A Hoosier native, Daly built a quick rapport with the organization last season, despite playing in the final five rounds after being released from the team. agustín canapino Mid season. Daly’s podium in Milwaukee helped propel JHR back into the Leader’s Circle – the top 22 in entry points worth $1 million.

Apart from Daly and Grosjean, the second driver on JHR’s shortlist is a recent ed carpenter Racing Castoff Rinus VK,

Graham Rahal And Louis FosterThe 2024 Indy NXT champions, already scheduled to be in RLL for 2025, have one seat left up for grabs on its three-car roster. Although Pietro FittipaldiThe man who ran the third entry last season could make a return, with all signs pointing to the team taking it in a different direction. Notably, Fittipaldi recently signed with Pratt Miller Motorsports as part of an LMP2 run in IMSA next year, teaming up with Andretti Global Indy NXT driver James Roe.

Former Red Bull Formula 1 junior driver Jury VIP Made two starts with the RLL in 2023, but missed the full-time drive last season. However, he was placed on the roster in a developmental role before making one appearance in Portland. RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal has consistently given Vips patience and praise, which may be rewarded with a full-time drive.

That said, the biggest obstacle to keeping Vips off the seat is funding, which is why the driver may come into play. Devlin DeFrancescoWho last raced in IndyCar with Andretti Global in 2023. during Trackside with Kurt Cavin and Kevin Lee It was shared by longtime IndyCar reporter and NBC announcer Lee that DeFrancesco was a prime candidate to be considered by RLL.

Perhaps there is no greater round of regular musical chairs than the team owned by Dale Coyne. Of course, this is the gift that comes with not only random names from random places, but also finding diamonds in the rough (see) alex palou in 2020).

In many ways, the 2025 season could look similar to this past campaign in terms of rotation of drivers in both seats – although there is no doubt looking for at least one full-time competitor. So, with so many drivers to choose from, it is the most likely destination for several part-time efforts that will combine for two full-time entries.

After testing with the team at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month, Veeck may see some time in the Coyne seat. Another possibility is the return of Grosjean. He last drove for the team in its part-time introduction to IndyCar in 2021.

Toby SoweryThe man who impressed in his three appearances with the team last season is likely to return in some capacity. The Briton also recently tested for DCR at The Thermal Club earlier this month.

And it’s intriguing to see what putting the Fittipaldi name on the grid can do. Pietro, who has a good relationship with Coin, worked part-time for the team in 2018 and 2021. Additionally, however, his brother, Enzo, tested with Coyne in October of 2023 and is nearing the end of a third full-time campaign. In Formula 2.

Another name that’s potentially going to be in the cockpit in some capacity Hunter McClearyWho made his debut alongside Coyne in Toronto last season. Little mention of the 2022 Indy NXT Champion Linus LundqvistWho achieved two podiums during his rookie campaign before being let go Chip Ganassi RacingBut funding, as it is for many, remains Sweden’s biggest hurdle.

it is known that jacob abelThe runner-up for the 2024 Indy NXT title is pushing hard for a full-time seat at Coin next season. He tested with the team at Sebring almost a year ago and also tested in CGR machinery at Texas Motor Speedway earlier this month.

Although jack harvey Was a key part of DCR last year, making 14 starts, changed his mind about expanding his role after recently signing a one-time contract with Dreyer & Reinbold for next year’s Indianapolis 500.

Among others who are unlikely to find a place on the grid next year, at least with any regularity, are ex-Williams F1 drivers logan sergeantwho tested indy cars meyer shank racing Earlier this month at the Thermal Club. He, along with three-time W-Series champion and Indy NXT race winner jamie chadwickhas recently signed with European Le Mans Series programs, including multiple scheduling conflicts with IndyCar in 2025.