IndyCar’s popularity is surging, drawing millions of viewers and increased media attention. This growing interest translates to larger paychecks for IndyCar’s elite drivers. Leading the pack is Marcus Ericsson, topping the charts with an impressive $3.1 million earnings. His journey to the top includes a four-year stint in Formula 1 (2014-2018) before transitioning to the thrilling world of IndyCar.
Ericsson’s move to Andretti Global marks his first season with the team. A significant highlight of his career is his victory at the prestigious Indy 500 in 2021. To date, he boasts four career wins in the highly competitive IndyCar Series, solidifying his position as a top-tier driver.
Following closely behind Ericsson in the salary rankings is Pato O’Ward from Arrow McLaren. O’Ward commands a $1 million annual salary while piloting the number five Chevrolet for the team. His career trajectory is marked by consistent improvement, culminating in a third-place finish in the 2021 season standings. O’Ward’s talent is evident in his two top-five and four top-ten finishes, signaling a bright future in IndyCar.
Veteran driver Scott Dixon, racing for Chip Ganassi Racing, secures the third spot with earnings of $707K. Dixon’s tenure with Chip Ganassi Racing is the longest in team history, dating back to his signing in 2002. A legend in the sport, Dixon is the active IndyCar Series driver with the most championship titles, holding six to his name. His remarkable 58 career wins place him just nine victories away from breaking the all-time win record, showcasing his enduring skill and competitiveness.
Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing ranks fourth, earning $570.5K. Rosenqvist’s entry into IndyCar was marked by immediate success, earning him the 2019 IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year award. Before joining Meyer Shank Racing, he honed his skills with Chip Ganassi Racing until 2021. Rosenqvist’s career highlights include securing six pole positions and achieving 17 top-five finishes, demonstrating his speed and racecraft.
Alex Palou, also driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, completes the top five highest-paid drivers with an annual income of $569.6K. Palou has twice been crowned IndyCar Series champion, marking him as a dominant force in the series. Hailing from Barcelona, Palou’s racing journey began in Europe and Asia before he made his IndyCar debut in 2020. He holds the distinction of being the first Spanish-born driver to win the IndyCar Series Championship, expanding the sport’s global appeal.
Once considered an underdog compared to other racing leagues, IndyCar is now witnessing its drivers earn substantial wages, approaching levels seen in more established motorsports. Interestingly, Meyer Shank Racing stands out with the highest representation among the top-paid IndyCar drivers, featuring three drivers in the ranking. Collectively, the three Meyer Shank Racing drivers earn $1.6 million, which is slightly more than half of Marcus Ericsson’s individual earnings as the highest-paid driver.
Ranking of Highest-Paid IndyCar Drivers
Below is a comprehensive list of the highest-paid IndyCar drivers, compiled using data from IndyChronicle and IndyCar.
- Updated: June 17, 2024
| Rank | Driver | Team | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Ericsson | Andretti Global | $3.1 million |
| 2 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren SP | $1 million |
| 3 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | $707K |
| 4 | Felix Rosenqvist | Meyer Shank Racing | $570.5K |
| 5 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | $569.6K |
| 6 | Alexander Rossi | Arrow McLaren SP | $548K |
| 7 | Conor Daly | Meyer Shank Racing | $527.1K |
| 8 | Simon Pagenaud | Meyer Shank Racing | $507K |
| 9 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | $500K |
| 10 | Will Power | Team Penske | $450K |
| 11 | Colton Herta | Andretti Global | $400K |
| T-12 | Rinus VeeKay | Ed Carpenter Racing | $350K |
| T-12 | Romain Grosjean | Juncos Hollinger Racing | $350K |
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