IndyCar play-by-play commentator Will Buxton has revealed key updates regarding the 2026 driver market. Currently, there are two confirmed seats left to be filled for next season—one each at Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) and AJ Foyt Racing.
### AJ Foyt Racing’s No. 14 Seat
The No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet, previously driven by David Malukas before his move to Team Penske, is rumored to be occupied by 2025 Indy NXT runner-up Caio Collet. While nothing is official yet, Collet is widely considered a strong candidate for the seat.
### Dale Coyne Racing’s Second Seat
At Dale Coyne Racing, 2025 Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger has already secured one seat. The second seat remains open, with rumors heavily favoring former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean as the next occupant.
Grosjean, who spent 2024 as PREMA Racing’s reserve driver after stepping away from full-time racing, is reportedly the preferred choice of Todd Ault, owner of Ault Blockchain—the sponsor for both DCR entries in 2026.
Will Buxton shared an intriguing conversation with Grosjean during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin, Texas. Speaking on the Divebomb podcast, Buxton recounted:
> “I saw Romain Grosjean in Austin, and I said, ‘So Coyne next year?’ And he said to me, ‘Everybody thinks that, but it’s not done.’ I was like, ‘Oh, okay.’ He said, ‘If Dale sends me a contract, I’ll sign it.’”
Dale Coyne Racing had previously announced that it would reveal both drivers for the 2026 season by Halloween (October 31). With just one day left before the deadline, only Hauger’s seat is officially confirmed, as the second spot remains undecided.
### Possible Delay Due to New Contenders
Despite the looming deadline, a delay in naming the second driver is possible. Rumors have emerged of an active F1 driver entering the race for the Dale Coyne seat.
### Yuki Tsunoda in the Mix?
IndyCar reporter Tony Donohue recently shared on the Unverified podcast that F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda is believed to be in contention for the second DCR seat in 2026. Tsunoda, currently racing for Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate, has had an underwhelming season and is expected to lose his seat to Red Bull’s rookie Isack Hadjar next year.
Ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the team would decide on their 2026 driver lineup before the Abu Dhabi season finale.
Tony Donohue elaborated on the rumors, stating:
> “There have been rumors of Yuki Tsunoda possibly being inside that No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing with Honda backing, obviously, for the 2026 season.
> I think we’ll find out next week if I’m not mistaken, and I don’t believe he’ll be back in his F1 seat. But that is certainly a rumor.
> I had heard it and, more so, it was brought back up to me yesterday by somebody who I feel like if it came across their desk, it would be something that has been discussed.
> Obviously, nothing is official, but I think Yuki Tsunoda is certainly in the fold to land the second seat at Dale Coyne Racing.”
Tsunoda also tested an IndyCar in 2024 with Chip Ganassi Racing during the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. The test took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and was guided by six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, who mentored Tsunoda throughout the session.
### What’s Next?
With Dale Coyne Racing expected to finalize its driver lineup imminently, motorsport fans eagerly await the official announcement. Whether Grosjean secures the seat or Tsunoda makes the switch from F1 to IndyCar, the 2026 season promises exciting storylines ahead. Stay tuned for official updates as the October 31 deadline approaches.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/indycar/news-will-buxton-shares-major-detail-indycar-silly-season-s-next-move
