It was a long and dramatic 2025 season for IndyCar. There were highs and lows, and some truly heartbreaking moments. As with all motorsports series, tensions run high, and sometimes it can be cruel to viewers, drivers, and teams. We’ve rounded up 5 of the most heartbreaking moments throughout the season, and we’re counting them down now.
5. Abel Misses the Indy500
The Indy500 is an iconic race making up one of the Triple Crown of Motorsports. Each year 33 drivers compete to be named the winner and go down in history. With many trying, and failing, it’s a mental and physical challenge for any who attempt it.
In recent years, 34 drivers attempt to qualify, with one failing to advance to the race. This year, that fell upon rookie Jacob Abel. He tried his hardest but ended up as one of four in the last-chance qualifying session. Joined by Marco Andretti, Marcus Armstrong, and his teammate Rinus Veekay, he was up against tough competition. A slowest average speed of 227.112 mph bumped Abel from the line-up.
It is always heartbreaking for whoever is dropped, but this year had an extra sting. When officials disqualified Team Penske from the top 12 qualifying for a rule violation, many argued that Abel deserved a place on the grid. However, IndyCar stuck to the rules, and Abel had to sit out of the historic race. A devastating moment for the driver, but he took it on the chin and didn’t let it affect the rest of his season.
4. O’Ward Loses in Nashville
Pato O’Ward was looking to take the final victory of the year in Nashville. Showing strong pace throughout the weekend, he was seemingly untouchable in the first half of the race. If he’d have won, it would’ve been the first time O’Ward converted pole into a win.
After leading 116 laps O’Ward suffered a tyre failure on lap 126. Consequently, he crashed into the wall, ending his race in a heartbreaking fashion. Alex Palou also suffered a tyre puncture earlier in the race: however, he was able to make it back to pit lane. These moments invited questions over whether the track was too abrasive or if the tyres weren’t lasting as long as expected.
After his incredible season, where O’Ward finished a career-best 2nd, it was a disastrous end for the Mexican. Paired with a mechanical failure for teammate Christian Lundgaard, it was heartbreak all around for Arrow McLaren.
3. Malukas Denied Pole … Twice
David Malukas was certainly an impressive driver this year. After his unfortunate 2024 season, he seemed at home immediately in the A. J. Foyt no. 14 car. Qualifying was a particularly strong point for the young driver this year, especially on the oval tracks.
With a track record of qualifying within the top 12 at all oval races this year, Malukas was only improving with each race. It was looking positive for him to achieve his first pole in Milwaukee. Setting an average speed of 162.256 mph, the drivers to follow all failed to get close to him. It came down to him and champion Alex Palou. As Malukas watched from pit lane, tense with anticipation, Palou was able to deny him the feat, and Malukas had to settle for 2nd on the grid.
The same happened just a week later in Nashville. Except it was Pato O’Ward who was able to deny him. Both moments were heartbreaking, as he was so close, yet so far.
2. McLaughlin Out Before the Indy500 Begins
As mentioned, the Indy500 is a race of high highs and low lows. Scott McLaughlin found that out the hard way this year. He finished full-field qualifying second – with a speed of 233.013 mph – and was meant to advance to the top 12. In pre-qualifying practice he spun exiting turn 2 and crashed. His car was beyond repair, and he withdrew from qualifying. But after his teammates were disqualified, he started 10th instead of 12th.
Despite the qualifying drama, his chances to compete in the Indy500 were over before it even started. Whilst on the parade laps ahead of the green flag, McLaughlin lost control of his car and spun out on the pit straight. Having to retire from the race, he never saw the green flag. With high hopes for a good result, it was a heartbreaking moment for everyone.
1. Power Parts with Penske
Whilst technically not a moment from the season itself, this was speculation throughout the season. Days after the conclusion, Team Penske announced that they were parting ways with Will Power. He will remain in the series however, with Andretti Global announcing he will replace Colton Herta in the no. 26 car in 2026.
Power is synonymous with Team Penske, racing with this team for 17 years after joining them in his second year on the grid. Power proved himself a force to be reckoned with on track and established himself as one of the best IndyCar drivers. The pairing achieved two championships in 2014 and 2022, 42 wins (including the 2018 Indy500), and a 64 pole positions. As an individual, he has 45 wins, and a record-breaking 71 pole positions.
Throughout the 2025 season Power’s seat was debated, with many speculating that David Malukas would replace him in 2026. Despite this, he was still the best-performing Penske driver, placing 9th in the championship with 357 points. With such a long and illustrious career with Penske, it’s hard to imagine the driver racing with any other team. It’s unclear whether the choice was his or the team’s – either way it’s a heartbreaking end to a successful career.
The 2025 IndyCar season delivered some crushing lows, proving once again that motorsports can be both thrilling and cruel in equal measure. From missed opportunities to career-defining changes, each of the moments on this list will leave a lasting impact on the drivers, teams, and fans. What was your most heartbreaking moment of the season?