Top 10 best Indycar drivers in the world at the moment

Top 10 best Indycar drivers in the world at the moment

Kenneth Mwenda
July 25, 2023 at 1:22 PM

The world of IndyCar racing is electrifying, and at its heart are the best IndyCar drivers whose skill and determination have earned them a spot on this prestigious list. From rookies blazing their trails to seasoned champions solidifying their legacies, these drivers epitomize the essence of motorsport excellence.

Best IndyCar drivers
Cars during the NTT IndyCar Series 107th Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. Photo: David Allio
Source: Getty Images

The 2023 IndyCar Series brought together a formidable array of drivers, each vying for the title of the best in the world. As we dive into this enthralling countdown, we celebrate the mastery of these racing virtuosos who navigate the high-speed circuits with skill and finesse.

Top 10 best Indycar drivers in the world

From intense rivalries to awe-inspiring triumphs, the indelible moments created by these drivers have left an everlasting impact on the sport, cementing their status as true legends in IndyCar racing. Get ready to buckle up and witness the incredible prowess of these top ten IndyCar drivers as they unleash their talents on the track, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with every turn and thrilling manoeuvre.

10. Alexander Rossi

Best IndyCar drivers
Alexander Rossi at the 2022 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach on April 08, 2022, in Long Beach, California. Photo: Greg Doherty
Source: Getty Images

Kicking off the countdown of IndyCar standings 2023 is Alexander Michael Rossi, the American racing driver competing for Arrow McLaren. He has had a career filled with notable achievements in both American and European racing circuits. Most notably, Rossi's victory at the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie in 2016 remains a standout moment in his career.

Before his IndyCar success, Rossi showcased his talent in the developmental GP2 Series, winning multiple races and demonstrating his potential as a versatile driver. Despite consistently showcasing his skills for Arrow McLaren, a championship title has remained elusive, making Rossi a leading contender among the best IndyCar drivers never to win a championship.

9. Colton Herta

Best IndyCar drivers of all time
Colton Herta before the start of the 2023 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach on April 16, 2023, in Long Beach, California. Photo: Greg Doherty
Source: Getty Images

Colton Thomas Herta, the young American open-wheel racing driver representing Andretti Autosport with Curb-Agajanian, has already achieved a remarkable milestone in his IndyCar career. Being one of the best young IndyCar drivers ever to win a race, Herta showcased his prodigious talent at an early age.

Son of IndyCar and Champ Car driver Bryan Herta, Colton carries a legacy of racing excellence. With multiple race victories and consistent performances, Herta continues to make a name for himself in the highly competitive IndyCar Series. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, the future looks bright for this promising young talent.

8. Will Power

Best IndyCar drivers 2023
Will Power during the 2023 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach Media Luncheon on April 13, 2023, in Long Beach, California. Photo: Greg Doherty
Source: Getty Images

Australian racing driver William Steven Power, known as Will Power, continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the IndyCar Series. Driving for Team Penske, Power's exceptional qualifying abilities have earned him the distinction of being the all-time leader in poles in Indy car racing history. His remarkable consistency and strategic brilliance have led to multiple wins and two IndyCar Championships in 2014 and 2022.

Despite challenges on race days, Power's determination and never-give-up attitude have made him a fan favourite and a prominent figure in the series. As he continues to compete at the highest level, Power's relentless pursuit of victory keeps him at the forefront of the championship standings.

7. Christian Lundgaard

Best IndyCar drivers to never win a championship
Christian Lundgaard attends the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Frazer Harrison
Source: Getty Images

Christian Lundgaard, the Danish professional racing driver competing for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, was a standout rookie in the 2022 IndyCar Series. After graduating from the Alpine Academy to IndyCar, Lundgaard has made a remarkable transition to the American open-wheel racing scene.

His impressive performance in the 2022 season earned him the Rookie of the Year award, a testament to his talent and potential in the sport. Notably, Lundgaard secured his first IndyCar race victory at the 2023 Honda Indy Toronto, becoming the first Danish driver to achieve such a feat. With a bright future ahead, Lundgaard's rise in the IndyCar ranks is a testament to his skill and determination.

6. Scott McLaughlin

Best current IndyCar drivers
Scott McLaughlin during practice for the NTT IndyCar Series PPG 375 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 01, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo: Sean Gardner
Source: Getty Images

Scott Thomas McLaughlin, the New Zealand racing driver, has quickly become a sensation in the IndyCar Series. Driving for Team Penske, McLaughlin's transition from the Supercars Championship to IndyCar has been remarkable. McLaughlin proved his prowess on the track with back-to-back Supercars titles in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

In the IndyCar Series, he has continued to impress, securing podium finishes and demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. His victory at the 2022 Indianapolis 500 further cemented his status as a rising star in the sport. As McLaughlin continues to hone his skills in the highly competitive IndyCar field, fans eagerly anticipate his future accomplishments.

5. Pato O'Ward

Best young IndyCar drivers
Pato O'Ward during one of the practices for the 2023 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on May 16, 2023. Photo by Jeremy Hogan
Source: Getty Images

Patricio "Pato" O'Ward Junco, the young and fearless Mexican professional auto racing driver, is making waves in the IndyCar Series. His title as the 2018 Indy Lights champion set the stage for a remarkable IndyCar career.

O'Ward's skill and determination have led to multiple wins and podium finishes in the series. As the driver for Arrow McLaren, O'Ward has been consistently in the mix for race victories and championship contention. With a bright future ahead, O'Ward's talent and passion for racing make him a fan favourite and a rising star in the IndyCar world.

4. Marcus Ericsson

IndyCar most popular driver
Marcus Ericsson during practice rounds at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach on April 14, 2023, in Long Beach, California. Photo: Greg Doherty
Source: Getty Images

Marcus Thorbjörn Ericsson, the Swedish professional racing driver competing for Chip Ganassi Racing, has had a standout season in 2023. His victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 2022 solidified his status as a prominent figure in the IndyCar Series.

In the 2023 campaign, Ericsson kicked off the season with a win at St. Petersburg, showcasing his current ability to adapt and excel on various circuits. Although facing stiff competition, Ericsson has consistently demonstrated his talent, securing impressive results and solidifying his position among the series' best drivers. As he continues to compete at the highest level, the 2022 IndyCar champion's journey to greatness is one to watch closely.

3. Josef Newgarden

Greatest IndyCar driver
Josef Newgarden visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City on May 31, 2023. Photo: Jason Mendez
Source: Getty Images

Josef Nicolai Newgarden, the American racing driver representing Team Penske, has become a true icon in the IndyCar Series. As a two-time champion, securing titles in 2017 and 2019, Newgarden consistently demonstrates his prowess as a top-tier driver. His triumph at the 2023 Indianapolis 500 further solidified his status as one of the sport's best.

Competing for Team Penske, the powerhouse team in the series, Newgarden's exceptional racecraft and strategic brilliance have propelled him to the forefront of the championship standings. With his determination and skill, Newgarden remains a top contender for future titles, and his legacy of being one of IndyCar's most popular drivers is undoubtedly secured.

2. Scott Dixon

Popular IndyCar drivers  ‌
Scott Dixon before the practice of the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Justin Casterline
Source: Getty Images

Scott Ronald Dixon CNZM, the veteran New Zealand racing driver, stands as a living legend in the world of IndyCar racing. With six IndyCar Series championships, Dixon has etched his name in history as one of the sport's greatest drivers. His prowess extends beyond IndyCar, as he boasts multiple victories in endurance racing, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona.

Dixon's consistency and remarkable ability to perform under pressure have earned him an impressive tally of race wins and podium finishes throughout his illustrious career, being among the greatest IndyCar drivers. As he continues to compete for Chip Ganassi Racing, Dixon remains a formidable force on the track, captivating fans with his skills and tenacity.

1. Álex Palou

Popular IndyCar drivers  ‌
Alex Palou before the IndyCar GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 13, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Justin Casterline
Source: Getty Images

Álex Palou Montalbo, the talented Spanish racing driver, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the IndyCar Series. Building on his 2021 championship victory, Palou continued to impress in the 2023 season with consistent performances and remarkable achievements. His pole position at the 107th Indianapolis 500 set a new speed record, showcasing his exceptional qualifying skills.

Palou's win at the GMR Grand Prix and top-five finishes in multiple races demonstrate his ability to excel on different tracks. As a reserve driver for McLaren in the 2023 Formula One World Championship, Palou's star is undoubtedly on the rise, and he remains a favourite to secure more victories and potentially add more championships rising among the best IndyCar drivers of all time.

The quest for greatness continues as these best IndyCar drivers embody the essence of motorsport with each lap they complete. As fans, we are privileged to witness their tireless dedication and unwavering passion, making each race an adrenaline-fueled spectacle.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.