Alexander Rossi’s call for a schedule revamp is more than just a personal gripe—it’s a reflection of changing expectations in the world of motorsport
As fan habits evolve and the industry seeks ways to optimize entertainment value and operational efficiency, ideas like Rossi’s may go from unconventional to mainstream.
Whether IndyCar adopts Sunday qualifying or increases its night race offerings, it’s clear that thoughtful input from drivers like Rossi will shape the next era of the sport.
For now, fans and organizers alike have been given plenty to consider—and that’s the first step toward meaningful change.
At the halfway point of the 2025 IndyCar season, Alexander Rossi is having a solid campaign, but it’s lacking that standout moment — the breakthrough result that could catalyze a surge up the leaderboard.
Whether it’s a top-five finish, a late-season podium, or simply a stretch of consistently strong races, Rossi has the talent and experience to turn things around. The question is whether the car, the strategy, and the circumstances will align to make it happen.
For now, Rossi continues to fight — quietly, persistently, and with the kind of determination that has defined his career. Don’t count him out just yet.
Also Read: Frankie Muniz Gets Real with Ford CEO About His Racing Journey
Table of Contents
Alexander Rossi Calls for IndyCar Schedule Overhaul
IndyCar veteran Alexander Rossi has raised an important concern about the structure of race weekends in America’s premier open-wheel racing series.1
In an era where motorsport is evolving to suit audience demand, driver well-being, and logistical efficiency, Rossi believes it’s time for IndyCar to revisit how it manages its time.
Speaking candidly on the Off Track podcast, Rossi laid out his vision for a revised schedule that includes night races and a swap between qualifying and practice sessions.
Let’s dive into the details of his comments, the rationale behind his suggestions, and what such a change could mean for the sport.
Incredibly tough night as P11 was all I could manage. Thanks for all the support this weekend. Good news is, we get to go again in a few days.
Huge congrats to @christian_rasmussen_ on his first career IndyCar podium. Enjoy it! 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/k0exjrWTce
— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) June 16, 2025
“Time Management Needs Some Work”: The Crux of the Complaint
During the podcast, Rossi pointed out what he sees as inefficiencies in IndyCar’s current time management.
Citing the example of the Indianapolis GP’s condensed format, he noted that while Saturday is packed with meaningful action, Sunday often drags on with limited activity before the race itself.
“So I think our time management as a series needs some work,” Rossi said, emphasizing the need to streamline the schedule to make both logistical and entertainment sense.
This concern is particularly important as motorsports globally seek to maintain relevance in an era of shorter attention spans and competing entertainment options.
More Night Races, More Buzz?
In addition to his schedule tweaks, Rossi also advocated for more night races. Night racing brings a unique atmosphere to motorsports—enhanced visuals, cooler track temperatures, and often, larger TV audiences due to primetime viewing windows.
While night races can be challenging from a logistics and safety perspective, they offer a dramatic flair that daytime events sometimes lack.
Think of the success of night races in Formula 1, like Singapore or Las Vegas, or NASCAR’s iconic Saturday night events.
Rossi’s desire for more under-the-lights racing aligns with a broader trend across motorsports to enhance spectacle.
Alexander Rossi’s Credibility in the Paddock
Alexander Rossi isn’t just another driver expressing a passing opinion. Since his IndyCar debut in 2016, the former Formula 1 competitor has become one of the most seasoned names on the grid.2
With 147 starts, eight victories, and 30 podiums, Rossi has seen the sport evolve firsthand.
At 33, he represents both a veteran’s perspective and a driver still at the peak of his physical capabilities. His opinions carry weight, especially when directed at improving the efficiency and appeal of the series.
The Core of Rossi’s Suggestion: A Flip in the Weekend Format
Rossi’s primary proposal centers around restructuring the IndyCar weekend format.
Traditionally, most race weekends follow a Friday-Sunday structure with practice on Friday and Saturday, qualifying on Saturday, and the main event on Sunday.
Rossi suggests flipping qualifying and practice—putting qualifying on Sunday and practice on Saturday.
The rationale is straightforward: maximize the value of Sunday for both teams and fans. According to Rossi, Sunday mornings currently feel underutilized.
By scheduling qualifying before the race on Sunday, fans would get more on-track action and less downtime, potentially boosting engagement and attendance.
Alexander Rossi’s Mixed Feelings: Two-Day Events
Another talking point in Rossi’s remarks was the concept of two-day events, a model increasingly tested by IndyCar and other series.3
While he acknowledges that events like the Indy GP have made this model work, he stops short of fully endorsing it.
“I don’t know if I’m pro two-day events,” Rossi admitted, suggesting that while they reduce the overall time commitment for teams, drivers, and fans, they can also feel rushed or incomplete without proper buildup and storylines.
This perspective is shared by others in the paddock who appreciate the more relaxed pace and comprehensive preparation that three-day weekends allow.
Could Sunday Qualifying Actually Work?
Rossi’s idea of Sunday qualifying is radical—at least in the context of IndyCar. Most major series keep qualifying separate from race day to allow teams time to fine-tune strategies based on grid position.
A same-day qualifying session would mean tighter turnaround times, more pressure on mechanics, and possibly increased unpredictability.
Yet this model isn’t entirely unheard of. In some series, qualifying and racing do take place on the same day.
Formula E, for instance, regularly runs both within a few hours of each other. And with proper planning, IndyCar could adapt. It might mean earlier Sunday start times or reduced warmup sessions, but the fan experience could benefit greatly.
Potential Benefits for Teams and Promoters
From a commercial standpoint, Rossi’s proposals offer compelling upsides. More meaningful Sunday action means better ticket value for fans, which could translate to increased attendance and merchandise sales.
For promoters, it simplifies the marketing message: “Come Sunday and see everything that matters.”
For teams, the benefits are mixed. A shorter, more efficient weekend may reduce hotel stays and overall costs, especially for smaller outfits with limited resources.
However, the compressed schedule would put extra strain on personnel, especially if unforeseen issues arise during Sunday qualifying.
Challenges and Counterpoints
As with any proposed change, there are potential drawbacks. Technical crews may balk at the limited time between qualifying and race. Media coverage could suffer, as separate days allow for more in-depth content generation.
And if a driver crashes during qualifying, the turnaround time to prepare a backup car before the race would be almost nonexistent.
There’s also the risk that the spectacle of qualifying gets lost in the pre-race buzz. Currently, qualifying has a dedicated slot in the schedule and its own audience. Merging it with race day might reduce its standalone significance.
Also Read: Josh Berry’s Bold Comments on Team Chemistry with Wood Brothers Racing
Alexander Rossi’s 2025 Season: Battle for Consistency
Alexander Rossi has long been regarded as one of the most resilient and tactical drivers in the IndyCar paddock.
His current 2025 season with Ed Carpenter Racing is proving to be another chapter in that story — one filled with flashes of brilliance, moments of frustration, and an ever-present fight to climb higher in the standings.
While he may not be grabbing the headlines every week, Rossi’s journey through the first half of the season offers plenty to analyze.
P11 at Bommarito: A Gritty Drive Under the Lights
At the most recent round — the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 — Rossi came home in 11th place, just behind David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Racing.
While it wasn’t a top-ten finish, it still represented a hard-fought result in a physically and mentally demanding race.
Rossi took to Instagram after the race to reflect on the grind it took to secure that P11. “Incredibly tough night as P11 was all I could manage,” he admitted.
His honesty offered a glimpse into the emotional toll of pushing through a race where the car may not have been entirely competitive.
He also took time to congratulate Christian Rasmussen for earning his first-ever IndyCar podium — a testament to Rossi’s class and respect for the sport.
View this post on Instagram
2025 in Numbers: Where Rossi Stands After Eight Races
So far in the 2025 season, Rossi sits in 13th place in the championship standings with 144 points.
That may not sound impressive at first glance, but a deeper dive reveals that he has collected four top-ten finishes — a testament to his ability to maximize results even when outright pace may be lacking.
His best result this season came at the Alabama Grand Prix, where he claimed a strong eighth-place finish.
Unfortunately, the low point of his campaign arrived at the prestigious Indianapolis 500, where he finished a disappointing 28th.
That result was a heavy blow to his championship aspirations, as the double-points format at Indy can significantly swing the title race.
Comparison with 2024: Signs of Stability or Stagnation?
In 2024, Rossi wrapped up the season in tenth place overall with 366 points. That campaign included three top-five finishes and ten appearances in the top ten — figures that show a level of consistency he’s yet to replicate this year.
The comparison is telling. While he’s slightly lower in the standings this season, the key difference lies in his inability thus far to break into the top five.
If Rossi and Ed Carpenter Racing can’t unlock that extra edge in race performance, he may struggle to match last year’s total, let alone improve on it.
Alexander Rossi’s Mental Toughness on Display
Throughout the ups and downs of the 2025 season, one thing has remained clear: Alexander Rossi isn’t lacking in mental toughness.
Whether it’s bouncing back from a disappointing Indy 500 or grinding out an 11th-place finish on a difficult night, he continues to push forward with a determined mindset.
His approach speaks to the long-game philosophy that defines veteran drivers.
While younger competitors may ride the emotional highs and lows more dramatically, Rossi remains composed, calculated, and focused on extracting the maximum from each outing.
Still a Driver to Watch
- Even if he’s not currently among the championship contenders, Rossi remains a fan favorite.
- His background — from winning the Indy 500 in 2016 as a rookie to competing in Formula 1 with Manor — has given him a unique appeal.
- His fans appreciate his frankness, professionalism, and refusal to make excuses.
- As IndyCar continues to grow its audience, especially through streaming and international coverage, Rossi’s name still carries weight. He may not be the face of the series in 2025, but he remains a critical part of its narrative.
- It’s important to place Rossi’s results within the context of Ed Carpenter Racing’s overall performance.
- The team has undergone several changes in personnel and engineering leadership over the past two seasons.
- While they are making strides toward becoming a more competitive outfit, they are not yet a consistent threat to the top-tier teams like Penske, Ganassi, or Andretti.
- Still, Rossi’s presence within the team is viewed as crucial to their development.
- His technical feedback, combined with his experience at the front of the grid, is playing a key role in shaping the direction of car development and race operations.
Also Read: Richard Childress Racing Shocks Fans with Kasey Kahne’s Bold New Paint Scheme and Podcast
