The Indianapolis 500 is back, and British motorsport fans are gearing up for one of the most thrilling races on the planet. The Ninth-six Indy 500 2026 takes place on Sunday, 24 May 2026, at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With pole-sitter Alex Palou leading the charge and Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden hunting his third victor’s laurels, this year’s race promises breathtaking speed, drama, and history.
Event Overview: The Greatest Spectacle in Racing
The Indianapolis 500, often called “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is the crown jewel of the IndyCar Series. This year marks a special edition—the Ninth-six Indy 500 2026—with 33 of the world’s finest drivers battling for £1.5 million in prize money and eternal glory.
| Event | Racing Indianapolis 500 |
| League | IndyCar Series |
| Venue | Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, USA |
| Date | Sunday, 24 May 2026 |
| UK Start Time | 10:00 PM BST |
| Laps | 200 (500 miles) |
For UK viewers, the race starts at 10:00 PM BST, perfectly placed for a late-night motorsport fix ahead of the week’s racing action. Sky Sports F1 will carry live coverage, but we’ve also got your back with exclusive streaming options below.
Match Preview: What to Expect from the Ninth-six Indy 500 2026
This year’s Ninth-six Indy 500 2026 shapes up to be a classic showdown between Arrow McLaren’s squad strength and Team Penske’s raw speed. Alex Palou, the 2024 IndyCar champion, secured his second career pole with a blistering four-lap average of 234.211 mph.
[indycar](https://www.indycar.com/news/2026/05/05-20-500-fieldnotes-ic)Key storylines heading into race day:
- Palou’s Revenge: After finishing fifth in 2025, Palou is hungry for his first Indy 500 win.
- Newgarden’s Quest: Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) has won back-to-back IndyCar titles but is still chasing his third Indy 500 laurel.
- Rookie Sensation: Christian Lundgaard finished first in the 2026 Indianapolis Road Course race, showing strong form ahead of the 500. [autosport](https://www.autosport.com/indycar/results/2026/indianapolis-road-course-664359/)
- Weather Watch: Indianapolis forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 22°C—ideal for high-speed racing. [skysports](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13542639/indy-500-dates-2026-schedule-indianapolis-weather-uk-race-start-time-for-indycars-biggest-event-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-on-sky-sports)
Key Players to Watch
1. Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing, Car #10)
The Spanish superstar captured his second Indy 500 pole and is the favourite to win. Palou finished fifth in last year’s race and has shown exceptional speed in practice sessions.
[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhCWo6BSE9w)2. Josef Newgarden (Team Penske, Car #2)
Newgarden holds two IndyCar championships and finished fourth in the 2026 Indianapolis Road Course. His team Penske has dominated Indy 500 history with 18 victories.
[autosport](https://www.autosport.com/indycar/results/2026/indianapolis-road-course-664359/)3. Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren, Car #7)
Lundgaard shocked the paddock by winning the 2026 Indianapolis Road Course, beating Malukas and Rahal. His momentum could carry him into the top three at the Indy 500.
[autosport](https://www.autosport.com/indycar/results/2026/indianapolis-road-course-664359/)4. D. Malukas (Team Penske, Car #12)
Malukas finished second in the Road Course race and is a strong contender for the podium.
[autosport](https://www.autosport.com/indycar/results/2026/indianapolis-road-course-664359/)Where to Watch: Live Stream & TV Info for UK Fans
UK viewers have multiple options to catch the Indianapolis 500 live:
- Sky Sports F1: Live coverage begins at 3:00 PM BST with the race starting at 5:30 PM local time (10:00 PM BST). [skysports](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13542639/indy-500-dates-2026-schedule-indianapolis-weather-uk-race-start-time-for-indycars-biggest-event-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-on-sky-sports)
- FOX & FOX One (US): For international streamers, FOX carries the race with streaming on FOX One. [foxsports](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/how-watch-2026-indy-500-qualifying-tv-channel-streaming-schedule)
- Exclusive Affiliate Stream: Click below for our partner’s live stream:
Note: Streaming availability may vary by region. Always check your local broadcaster for the latest info.
Race Stats & Qualifying Highlights
Qualifying for the Ninth-six Indy 500 2026 saw intense competition over two days (16–17 May). Palou’s pole speed of 234.211 mph edged out Will Power by just 0.087 seconds. Practice sessions highlighted Arrow McLaren’s one-lap pace, while Team Penske looked stronger over long runs.
[foxsports](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/how-watch-2026-indy-500-qualifying-tv-channel-streaming-schedule)| Driver | Team | Pole Speed (mph) |
| Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | 234.211 |
| Will Power | Team Penske | 234.124 |
| Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | 233.987 |
FAQs: Indianapolis 500 2026
When is the Indianapolis 500 2026?
The race takes place on Sunday, 24 May 2026, with UK start time at 10:00 PM BST.
What time does the Indy 500 start in the UK?
Race day coverage begins at 3:00 PM BST on Sky Sports F1, with the green flag dropping at 10:00 PM BST.
[skysports](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13542639/indy-500-dates-2026-schedule-indianapolis-weather-uk-race-start-time-for-indycars-biggest-event-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-on-sky-sports)How can I watch the Ninth-six Indy 500 2026 live from the UK?
Watch live on Sky Sports F1 or stream via our exclusive affiliate link using the button above.
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 Indianapolis 500?
Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) is the pole-sitter and bookmakers’ favourite after dominating practice sessions.
[indycar](https://www.indycar.com/news/2026/05/05-20-500-fieldnotes-ic)Where is the Indianapolis 500 held?
The race takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, USA—the fastest 2.5-mile oval in motorsport.
How many laps is the Indy 500?
The race is 200 laps (500 miles) around the 2.5-mile oval.
Don’t miss the Ninth-six Indy 500 2026—bookmark this page and hit the live stream button for non-stop racing action!
