When the checkered flag flew on the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season, there was still plenty left undetermined about the 2027 driver lineup, even after a summer silly season stretch that featured quite a few surprise announcements.
A.J. Foyt Enterprises confirmed a surprise of their own earlier this week when they announced that Dennis Hauger is set to replace Santino Ferrucci behind the wheel of the No. 14 Chevrolet full-time next year. Ferrucci had been with the team since 2023.
The confirmation means that 19 of the 25 chartered cars have confirmed full-time drivers for the 2027 season, leaving six vacancies.
6 open seats left for 2027 IndyCar season
One of those vacancies still exists at A.J. Foyt's team, and Ferrucci is reportedly in talks to switch to the No. 4 Chevrolet as a part-time driver. Josh Pierson had been linked to the seat full-time, but amid IndyCar's new licensing requirements, it remains to be seen whether the Indy NXT race winner will be allowed to make the jump to the top series.
The other team with one remaining vacancy is Chip Ganassi Racing, which have yet to confirm Scott Dixon's replacement after Dixon's decision to leave for Arrow McLaren to replace Christian Lundgaard. While Rinus VeeKay's name has been mentioned from time to time, Lundgaard remains the favorite to join Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson next year.
Speaking of VeeKay, he remains likely to return to Juncos Hollinger Racing for a second year in 2027, although things are a bit less certain surrounding his teammate. Sting Ray Robb is not expected to be back after a last-place finish in the championship standings. Caio Collet, who spent his rookie season with Foyt, has emerged as a top candidate for this seat.
The other team without any confirmed drivers for 2027 is the team Hauger is leaving, and that is Dale Coyne Racing. They have been linked to both Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson and runner-up Enzo Fittipaldi, while it has been reported that Romain Grosjean has the ability to return if he so chooses. Who will be the odd man out?
All things considered, there is still plenty yet to be determined in silly season, even weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 season. But there is plenty of time to decide it, as the 2027 season isn't scheduled to begin until Sunday, March 7 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Fox is set to provide live coverage of all races in 2027.
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