Four races remain on the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series schedule, including this weekend's inaugural (and possibly only) street race in Washington, D.C., next weekend's doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile oval, and the following weekend's season finale at Laguna Seca, which most recently concluded a season in 2023.
Pretty much since right after the Indy 500, which was somehow almost three months ago already, silly season has been at the forefront when it comes to IndyCar headlines, with several major moves having already been announced.
But the 2027 grid is still far from solidified. Here's our best guess as to what it will look like.
A.J. Foyt Enterprises
Drivers: Santino Ferrucci and the 2026 Indy NXT champion
Every year, there is speculation that Santino Ferrucci's contract might not be renewed, and yet he's already in his fourth season with the team. While he hasn't been flashy in 2026, he's still ahead of rookie teammate Caio Collet by a sizable margin, and it seems apparent that this team's overall pace isn't what it was in previous years, giving him less to work with. His historic Indy 500 streak of top 10 finishes notably remains intact.
As for Collet, his future remains uncertain, and even after having been linked to a number of other teams, it's possible this year may be his only shot.
Andretti Global
Drivers: Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson
Keeping Marcus Ericsson alongside Will Power and Kyle Kirkwood was the only justifiable decision Andretti Global could have made, even after they seemingly entered the year with no plans to extend his contract.
It goes to show that a great season can go a long way, and it dispels the narrative that teams are always willing to prioritize young talent simply because that young talent is waiting in the wings. Dennis Hauger, whom many assumed would replace Ericsson in 2027, is no longer in line to be tied to Andretti at all next year.
Arrow McLaren
Drivers: Pato O'Ward, Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist
Like Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren's lineup is set for 2027, but not without major changes. Most notably, Christian Lundgaard is out, despite a two-win season in 2026 thus far, as the team have prioritized the experience of Scott Dixon and the fact that Felix Rosenqvist is the reigning Indy 500 winner.
Chip Ganassi Racing
Drivers: Kyffin Simpson, Christian Lundgaard, Alex Palou
For as much love as Rinus VeeKay is getting lately, it would still be surprising of Chip Ganassi Racing don't go with Lundgaard to replace Dixon. And while there will always be criticism of Kyffin Simpson being a "pay driver", he has taken a major step forward over the past two seasons, compared to his rookie year.
Dale Coyne Racing
Drivers: Romain Grosjean, Dennis Hauger
Since 2012, Dale Coyne Racing have hired at least one full-time driver 13 times. In all 13 of those years, they've scored at least one podium finish. Expect Romain Grosjean to be back after his runner-up finish in Markham, and despite Hauger no longer being tied to Andretti, don't expect any changes here.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
Driver: Conor Daly
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing are set to be back in IndyCar full-time for the first time since 2012 after purchasing a charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Conor Daly may not be the flashy choice, but he has historically been strong on ovals, and for a team that has been focused on the Indy 500 for the past decade-plus, it could be a perfect match. He has run two of the three most recent editions of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" for the team already.
Ed Carpenter Racing
Drivers: Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen
Ed Carpenter Racing confirmed from the get-go that they are not a part of this year's silly season, and there's no reason to doubt that statement, even amid an extremely rough 2026.
Hollinger Racing
Drivers: Rinus VeeKay, Nolan Siegel
Amid rumors of Ricardo Juncos selling his stake in Juncos Hollinger Racing, the team could decide to turn in another direction after two underwhelming seasons with Sting Ray Robb and bring in Nolan Siegel, another funded driver but one who has indeed made some progress with Arrow McLaren this year.
As for VeeKay, he once again ends up without an offer from a big team, but his mid-to-late success in 2026 gives reason to believe that this could turn out to be a successful long-term home.
Meyer Shank Racing
Drivers: Marcus Armstrong, Mick Schumacher
The hot rumor lately is that Mick Schumacher, with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing set to downsize, could replace Indy 500 winner Rosenqvist alongside the recently extended Marcus Armstrong. Collet reportedly being off the table, after having been the early favorite, could open the door for Schumacher to remain in the sport with the German sponsorship he is said to have lined up.
It's not exactly been a secret that RLL have struggled, specifically on ovals, so this could be a win-win.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Drivers: Graham Rahal, Louis Foster
Graham Rahal has no plans to retire anytime soon, and while Louis Foster basically throwing away a win in Markham after jokingly referring to a number of his competitors as "hooligans" is an all-time "aged poorly" moment, there is no reason for him to be replaced. This is a team that has historically been better with fewer cars, and reverting back to two for the first time since 2021 should serve them well. Just take a look at how they performed from 2015 to 2021.
Team Penske
Drivers: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, David Malukas
Rumors of Josef Newgarden's frustration with Team Penske were greatly exaggerated, and he never factored into silly season like some initially thought he might.
As for Scott McLaughlin and David Malukas, you do have to imagine they'll need to start winning, sooner rather than later, before it comes to longer-term talks. McLaughlin hasn't won in nearly two years, and Malukas remains winless in his IndyCar career as he nears the end of his first season at Team Penske and fifth overall. But for 2027, everyone is under contract.
The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season is set to continue this Sunday, August 23 with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, with live coverage from the streets of Washington, D.C. set to begin at 12:00 p.m. ET. Start a free trial of FuboTV today and don't miss it!
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