Will we see more F1-to-IndyCar drivers, and who are the top candidates?

While Colton Herta was denied the superlicense that would allow him to make the move to Formula 1 (and Alex Palou continues to ponder his possible future), there’s been some recent talk of traffic heading in the opposite direction of the racing career highway.

The lure of IndyCar has been rising among the Formula 1 paddock, primarily driven by the ability of the American series to add additional cars to the field if the stars and the money properly align, something that can’t be done on the globe-trotting series.

And while drivers appreciate IndyCar’s less-demanding schedule and more relaxed environment, perhaps most appealing is the opportunity to be in a car with a chance to win.

Over 20 Formula 1 races have seen only four different drivers take home a winner’s trophy this year, and no one in the remainder of the field has any chance to outdrive either the two Red Bulls or two Ferraris without some freak intervention of fate.

By contrast, IndyCar had nine different winners in its 17 races this year, with seven more achieving at least a podium finish (Formula 1 has had three additional drivers score a top three).

So here’s a look at the possibilities of some of the current F1 drivers making the switch to race full-time in North America:

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Daniel Ricciardo – Despite currently being unemployed for 2023, so far an IndyCar move has been a firm “no” for the America-loving Australian. Ricciardo has said that ovals are “too scary” and currently is trying to salvage his career in Formula 1 – although coming off a horrendous season at age 33, his time may be running out.

So, for a driver who has made sudden decisions to switch teams in the past, it’s hard to completely rule out a change in career direction. Perhaps more likely for next year is an appearance in NASCAR (on a road course) with Ricciardo already having been approached for Trackhouse Racing’s “Project 91”, the team’s attempt to open up the series to overseas fans.

Former Formula 1 and Indy 500 champion Jacques Villeneuve has also mentioned plans to race in NASCAR, possibly full-time, although with what team is not currently known.

Nicholas Latifi – The Canadian is also without a job in Formula 1 for next year and has been the subject of rumors of an IndyCar move. While Latifi has denied any sort of deal having been inked, he has not ruled out the possibility, and should he so desire, his family’s money could fund any car on the IndyCar grid that is currently on the short end financially. Stay tuned.

Sebastian Vettel – Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 with a primary reason being time to focus on his family, and is unlikely to take a full-time seat in any series. Vettel appears to have a fan in IndyCar’s Graham Rahal, who has done a bit of campaigning to get the four-time world champion to at least take a spin in one of his team’s cars. Vettel has shown some admiration for the Road America circuit, so it’s not out of…