As attention builds around the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year fight, Santino Ferrucci continues to play a valuable role in the developing story—not as a rookie himself, but as a seasoned competitor influencing the next generation.

While the spotlight for the rookie title centers on Dennis Hauger, Caio Collet, and Mick Schumacher, Ferrucci’s experience on ovals has already proved important within that group. During preseason testing, Collet, now Santino’s teammate at AJ Foyt Racing, singled out Ferrucci as one of the strongest oval drivers on the grid and said he benefited from having him as a reference point.

“The first test that we did together at Nashville, he [Ferrucci] was there to do some references, and I think on ovals, he was one of the best guys on the grid. For me, for sure, I’m in a really good position that I’m next to him, and I think I can learn a lot from him,” Caio Collet on Santino’s experience helping him in testing.

Ferrucci’s leadership and technical insight, especially on oval circuits, strengthen the overall Foyt program and help guide younger drivers as they adapt to the unique challenges of IndyCar racing. Although not directly in the Rookie of the Year hunt, Santino’s presence and mentoring contribute to the competitive environment shaping this year’s rookie storylines.

Read the full article by Paul Wright on IndyCar.