Here’s a bold statement: the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, and the recent test sessions at Sebring International Raceway are a testament to that. While it wasn’t officially labeled an Open Test, the private team sessions on February 10-11 offered a treasure trove of insights as teams gear up for the upcoming season. But here’s where it gets controversial: could these early performances hint at a shifting power dynamic in the series? Let’s dive in.
Twenty-four drivers tackled the 1.67-mile Sebring circuit, notorious for its bumps and varied surface types—a perfect tune-up for the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1. This track mirrors the challenges of temporary street circuits, making it an ideal testing ground. Drivers were split into two sessions each day, with groups swapping time slots on the second day. And this is the part most people miss: while unofficial times are just a snapshot, they can reveal intriguing trends about team strategies and driver potential.
Top Session Times
With consistent weather conditions—sunny skies, mid-70s temperatures, and light winds—the playing field was relatively level. Here’s how the top times shook out:
- Monday a.m.: Alex Palou, No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, 52.626 seconds
- Monday p.m.: Marcus Armstrong, No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, 52.847
- Tuesday a.m.: Armstrong again, 52.373
- Tuesday p.m.: Kyle Kirkwood, No. 27 Andretti Global Honda, 52.479
One standout observation? Honda-powered drivers dominated all four sessions. Is this a sign of Honda’s resurgence, or just a testing anomaly?
Armstrong’s Ascent
Marcus Armstrong had a breakout 2025 season, finishing eighth in the championship standings during his first year with Meyer Shank Racing. But his performance at Sebring suggests he’s ready to step into the spotlight as a legitimate title contender. Armstrong topped both sessions he participated in, including the overall fastest lap of 52.373 on Tuesday morning. Even his Monday afternoon time of 52.847, good for fifth overall that day, was impressive. Could Armstrong be the breakout star of 2026? The numbers certainly hint at it.
Palou’s Persistent Threat
Reigning four-time champion Alex Palou unsurprisingly led the opening session, but his Tuesday afternoon performance dropped to fifth with a 52.874. Still, Palou remains a force to be reckoned with. Is his slight dip a cause for concern, or just a blip in an otherwise dominant trajectory?
The Phoenix Returns
One of the most intriguing storylines is Romain Grosjean’s potential return to Dale Coyne Racing. The “Phoenix”—nicknamed after his miraculous recovery from a fiery 2020 F1 crash—turned laps in DCR’s No. 18 Honda, sparking speculation about his 2026 plans. Grosjean improved from 53.798 on Monday morning to 53.220 on Tuesday afternoon, showing steady progress. Will Grosjean reclaim his seat at DCR, or is this just a test run?
Power and Malukas: New Rides, New Challenges
The offseason’s most talked-about swap saw David Malukas take over Will Power’s seat at Team Penske, while Power moved to Andretti Global. Malukas was relatively quiet, finishing ninth on Monday morning but improving to 53.167 on Tuesday afternoon. Power, meanwhile, struggled initially with a ninth-place finish on Monday afternoon but bounced back to third on Tuesday morning with a 52.611. Are these growing pains, or signs of deeper adjustments needed?
Rookie Watch
The 2026 Rookie of the Year battle is already heating up. Caio Collet, Dennis Hauger, and Mick Schumacher all turned heads, but it was INDY NXT veteran Hunter McElrea who posted the quickest rookie time of 52.730—despite not having a confirmed seat for the season. Is McElrea the dark horse to watch, or will one of the high-profile rookies steal the show?
What’s Next?
The action shifts to Phoenix Raceway for the Unser INDYCAR Open Test on February 17-18. All teams are expected to participate on the 1.022-mile oval, marking its return to the series schedule. Fans can attend on February 18, with free access and an autograph session for the first 300 attendees. Will Phoenix reveal more about the season’s contenders, or will it throw another curveball into the mix?
As the season draws closer, one thing is clear: 2026 is shaping up to be a year of surprises. What’s your take? Who do you think will dominate, and who might fall short of expectations? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
