The Indianapolis 500 stands apart from other motorsport events: it packs more than 400,000 spectators into the famous oval, fields 33 contenders over more than 200 laps, and sees top speeds around 240mph. Known as part of the motorsport Triple Crown alongside Le Mans and Monaco, the race carries rare prestige and pressure. For 2026 this landmark event celebrates its 110th running, and it arrives with a familiar headline — is Alex Palou unstoppable? At the same time a high-profile return by Helio Castroneves, a four-time winner, adds extra drama to the field.
If you are not travelling to the Midwest to experience the arena in person, there are many ways to follow every session from home. Broadcasters and streaming platforms will provide comprehensive coverage: live television windows, multi-camera feeds in the app, and post-race highlights online. Viewers should note that the listings below are shown in BST, and that services such as the Sky Sports app offer an onboard camera option for immersive viewing. For those without a Sky subscription the NOW Day pass or monthly pass remains a flexible streaming choice.
Event schedule and how to follow
The build-up to race day spreads across nearly two weeks, combining practice runs, qualifying rounds and fan-facing events. Live coverage is handled by Sky Sports and related channels with streams through Sky Go and NowTV. Key broadcast windows include slots on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Mix. Full listings below are given in the same order fans can expect coverage: practice sessions begin on Tue May 12, and the on-track programme culminates with the race on Sun May 24. Specific transmission times and channel assignments are provided in the next paragraphs so you can plan which sessions to watch live, and which you may prefer to catch in highlights.
Practice and qualifying timetable
Practice activity runs regularly through the fortnight: the television schedule lists Practice 1 at 5pm on Tue May 12, followed by Practice 2 at 5pm on Wed May 13, Practice 3 at 5pm on Thu May 14, and Practice 4 at 5pm on Fri May 15. On Sat May 16 there is Practice 5 at 1.30pm and qualifying for positions 13–34 at 4pm. On Sun May 17 practice continues at 6pm with the evening qualifying for the Fast 12 and Fast Six starting at 9pm. Additional tune-ups include Practice 7 on Mon May 18 and a further session on Fri May 22.
Race day timing and special events
There are a couple of must-see items in the event window: the televised PitStop Challenge is scheduled for Fri May 22 with a broadcast time of 8.10pm. On Sun May 24 pre-race build-up begins at 3pm, with the green flag for the Indianapolis 500 expected at 5.30pm; Sky Sports lists the race transmission as live on Sky Sports Mix. For viewers using traditional TV, Sky customers will find detailed coverage on Sky Sports F1, while streaming subscribers can join through the Sky Sports app with the option to select multiple camera angles and driver onboard feeds where available.
Storylines and what to watch on the day
Beyond the schedule, several narratives will shape the weekend. Alex Palou, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, arrives as the favourite after recent dominance in IndyCar; many pundits are asking whether any rival has the pace to dislodge him. The return of Helio Castroneves — a four-time winner who remains one of the event’s most magnetic personalities — adds emotional heft to the grid. Remember that the Brickyard is unlike typical road and street circuits: it is faster, features more competitors, and presents razor-thin margins where strategy, pit stops and traffic management dictate fortunes.
Streaming tips and highlights
If you plan to stream, the most flexible routes are the Sky Sports app for subscribers and the NOW Day pass or month pass for casual viewers. The app frequently offers an onboard camera option to follow individual drivers, plus multiple angles for deeper analysis. For those who prefer condensed coverage, free highlights will be published on the official IndyCar YouTube channel on race day. Whether you watch the full broadcast, dip into selected sessions, or catch the highlights afterwards, there are plenty of ways to experience the excitement of the Indianapolis 500 from wherever you are.