3. Pato O'Ward, Arrow McLaren
Pato O'Ward already has to be considered among the best drivers in Indy 500 history never to drink the milk. Millions of fans thought he had it last year, after passing Josef Newgarden with just over one lap to go, but Newgarden was able to make the move of the century into turn three to send him home with a bitter runner-up finish for the second time in three years. Is this the year?
2. Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
For the second time since 2023, Alex Palou has won four out of five races. Can he make it five of six and complete the first month of May sweep since Simon Pagenaud in 2019? He has always been strong in the Indy 500, notably placing second behind Helio Castroneves in 2021 and clawing back 20+ positions in both 2022 and 2023 after pit road issues mired him in 30th. He has recently emerged as the betting favorite to win in 2025.
1. Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
I'm not falling for the Patrick Mahomes trap here. What I mean by that is so many quarterbacks get more praise for almost beating Mahomes than Mahomes does for consistently beating them. There's no way I can put anybody above the two-time reigning Indy 500 champion at this juncture. Even after a rough start to the 2025 season as a whole, Josef Newgarden is the man to beat at Indy until somebody else proves otherwise.
The 109th running of the Indy 500 is set to be shown live on Fox from Indianapolis Motor Speedway beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 25. Begin a free trial of FuboTV now, and don't miss qualifying on Saturday, May 17 or Sunday, May 18 either!