IndyCar's Push for International Expansion

IndyCar, the premier open-wheel racing series in North America, has long been synonymous with high-speed oval racing and the iconic Indianapolis 500. However, in recent years, the series has intensified its efforts to broaden its appeal beyond the United States, aiming to capture a larger slice of the global motorsport audience. This push for international expansion includes enhancing broadcast reach, exploring new overseas race venues, attracting diverse driver talent, and positioning itself as a competitive alternative to Formula 1 (F1). As the 2025 season wraps up, these initiatives are showing promising signs, though challenges remain in rivaling F1's worldwide dominance.

Plans for New Overseas Races

IndyCar's 2025 schedule remained primarily North America-focused, featuring 17 races including staples like the Indianapolis 500 and street circuits in Toronto, Canada. However, the series has made significant strides in global visibility through expanded broadcasting, reaching over 200 countries and territories via partnerships with international networks. This marks a robust effort to bring thrilling action to audiences worldwide, with new media deals announced early in the year to bolster its international footprint.

Looking ahead, IndyCar leadership, including CEO Mark Miles, has signaled ambitious plans for overseas expansion starting in 2026. Discussions are advancing for new races in Mexico, potentially at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, and a return to Denver's street circuit. Miles has described these as "very impactful" schedule moves, emphasizing the series' intent to tap into untapped markets. Additionally, a new 12-turn, 2.19-mile street circuit in Markham, Ontario, is set to debut in 2026, further extending the series' presence in Canada. Fan and expert speculation on platforms like Reddit has highlighted potential destinations such as Australia (Adelaide or Surfers Paradise) and the UK (Brands Hatch or Donington), reflecting enthusiasm for a more global calendar. These developments build on earlier hints from Miles about international growth, though no major overseas additions materialized for 2025.

The introduction of an innovative new car design in mid-2025, featured during Round 9 coverage, also supports this expansion by promising enhanced performance and appeal to international fans and promoters.

Driver Transfers and International Talent

IndyCar's driver lineup has always boasted a strong international flavor, and the 2025 season saw several key transfers that underscored this diversity. The series features a mix of global stars, with only a minority hailing from the U.S. For instance, championship leader Alex Palou (Spain) defended his title, while Pato O'Ward (Mexico) and Scott Dixon (New Zealand) rounded out the top three in points. This international representation—far more drivers from outside the U.S. than within—contrasts with perceptions of the series as "US-centric."

Notable transfers included Christian Lundgaard (Denmark) moving to Arrow McLaren to replace Alexander Rossi (U.S.), a deal finalized mid-2024. Prema Racing, an Italian team with a storied history in junior formulas, joined the grid in 2025, bringing Russian-Israeli driver Robert Shwartzman from the World Endurance Championship. This expansion added two new entries, enhancing the field's depth.

Cross-series movement also highlighted IndyCar's global ties. Colton Herta (U.S.), a standout with Andretti Global, was confirmed as a test driver for the new Cadillac F1 team in 2026 and will switch to Formula 2 that year, signaling potential pathways between the series. Speculation abounded about F1 drivers potentially transitioning to IndyCar, with seven names floated as possibilities for 2025 seats, though most stayed in Europe. Historical examples, like Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 attempts, illustrate the occasional reverse flow, but IndyCar continues to attract talent from F1 feeders.

Teams like Chip Ganassi Racing outbid rivals for international stars like Palou, demonstrating the series' competitive pull. Overall, the 2025 grid featured stable lineups for powerhouses like Team Penske and Andretti, but the influx of teams like Prema and drivers like Shwartzman amplified IndyCar's international credentials.

Competing with F1 for Global Audiences

IndyCar's international push inevitably invites comparisons to F1, the undisputed king of global motorsport with 24 races across 21 countries in 2025. While F1 boasts higher average driver salaries ($16.5 million vs. IndyCar's $750,000) and a truly worldwide talent pool, IndyCar positions itself as a more exciting, accessible alternative with closer racing and lower barriers to entry.

Viewership metrics for 2025 highlight IndyCar's growth under its new FOX Sports deal, averaging 1.362 million U.S. viewers per race—a solid increase. The Indianapolis 500 drew over 7 million viewers, surpassing NASCAR's Daytona 500 and marking the highest since 2008. Internationally, the expanded broadcast partnerships delivered content to a vast audience, though exact global figures remain elusive. Races like Toronto and Portland maintained strong numbers, with Toronto pulling over 700,000 viewers.

In contrast, F1's 2025 season saw record attendance of 3.9 million fans for the first 14 races and ongoing global fan surveys to track engagement. Critics note that IndyCar's lack of races outside North America limits its global scale, despite its excitement factor. However, IndyCar's U.S. TV ratings occasionally outpace F1 events, such as the Australian Grand Prix. To compete, IndyCar is investing in multimedia storytelling and digital presence, aiming to convert F1's casual viewers into fans of its unpredictable races.

Looking Ahead

IndyCar's international expansion is gaining momentum, with broadcast gains in 2025 laying the groundwork for physical growth in 2026. Driver transfers continue to infuse global talent, and while F1 holds the edge in prestige and scale, IndyCar's raw competition and accessibility offer a compelling counterpoint. As the series evolves, these efforts could redefine its place in the motorsport landscape, potentially drawing more fans from F1's shadow.