| 2021 IndyCar season | |
|---|---|
| NTT IndyCar Series | |
| Season | |
| Races | 16 |
| Start date | April 18 |
| End date | September 26 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion |  Álex Palou |
| Manufacturers' Cup |  Honda |
| Rookie of the Year |  Scott McLaughlin |
| Indianapolis 500 winner |  Hélio Castroneves |
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The 2021 NTT IndyCar Series was the 26th season of the IndyCar Series and the 110th official championship season of American open wheel racing. The premier event was the 2021 Indianapolis 500, won by Hélio Castroneves (Meyer Shank Racing). It was the second year under Penske management after they took over in late 2019. Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing) entered his 21st season competing for a National Championship as the defending champion, but ultimately finished the campaign in fourth place.
Second-year driver Álex Palou became the first Spanish driver to win the series championship,[1] winning a joint-most three races during the campaign for Chip Ganassi Racing. He finished 38 points clear of Team Penske's Josef Newgarden, who won two races, and finished second in points for the second year in succession.[2] Third place in the championship went to Pato O'Ward for Arrow McLaren SP, who like Newgarden, won two races during the season. A total of nine drivers won races during the season, with Colton Herta (Andretti Autosport) also winning three races.[2] The Manufacturers' Cup was won by Honda for the fourth consecutive season, while Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske) won Rookie of the Year honors.[2]
- ^ Ryan, Nate (September 26, 2021). "Alex Palou clinches IndyCar championship". NBC Sports. NBC. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ a b c Cavin, Curt (September 26, 2021). "Paddock Buzz: McLaughlin Proud To Be Penske's First Top Rookie". IndyCar Series. Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. Retrieved September 27, 2021.