2016 IndyCar Preseason Power Rankings

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Oct 23, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Marussia driver Alexander Rossi (53) of United States waits out a rain delay during practice for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Alexander Rossi

What a crazy thing Alexander Rossi’s introduction to IndyCar has turned out to be. First, Rossi was in contention for a Formula 1 slot with Manor, only to lose that position to a driver with better funding. So what does he do? Turn around and take an IndyCar seat away from a third driver because Bryan Herta Autosport has funding issues. It’s a vicious circle, and one that unfortunately doesn’t have a good outlook for the 2016 season.

Rossi has come to BHA very late in the game, when even the other rookies have more IndyCar experience than he does. He’s even been described in the press by team owner Michael Andretti as “clueless about IndyCar” and reports say he’s still hoping for a return to Formula 1 in the 2017 season. It all paints a picture of a driver who’s behind the learning curve and sounds like he’s come here simply to fill seat time between F1 stints.

Herta’s newly formed alliance with Andretti Autosport will help Rossi to an extent, but it seems like he has a lot to learn in very little time. And the competition in IndyCar is so tough that he’s not going to be able to play catch-up. While the circumstances that led to his arrival were purely business, Herta may soon find themselves wishing they’d been able to retain the services of Gabby Chaves, who lest we forget was the IndyCar Rookie of the Year just a few months ago. If Rossi does go through with his thoughts of jumping back to IndyCar next year, maybe Chaves can return.

Next: 20. Luca Filippi