Top 3 rookie performances in last two decades of IndyCar ft. Sebastien Bourdais

Chip Ganassi Racing's new acquisition, Linus Lundqvist, ended up securing the 2024 IndyCar Rookie of the Year accolade. The 25-year-old Swede, in his maiden full-time campaign, secured one pole position and claimed 16th position at the end of the season, impressing fans and pundits with his performances.

But while Lundqvist delivered an impressive season with Chip Ganassi Racing, who have been the best-performing IndyCar rookies in the sport? Follow along as this article takes a look at the three best IndyCar rookie campaigns of the last 20 years.

#3. Robert Doornbos

Former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Robert Doornbos is the first name on the list. The Dutch driver, who had competed in the final three races of the 2006 F1 season with Red Bull Racing, was left without a seat in the 2007 campaign. As he contemplated the next move in his career, the Rotterdam native signed a contract with Minardi Team USA in the Champ Car Series ahead of the 2007 season.

Doornbos made an immediate impact, finishing second in his debut race at the Vegas Grand Prix—a feat not seen since Nigel Mansell in 1993.

Throughout the season, Doornbos maintained his momentum, winning two races, securing six podiums, and finishing in the top 10 in nine of the 14 races. His third-place standing in the championship remains one of the best results by a rookie since 2001.

#2. Robert Wickens

Former DTM driver Robert Wickens participated in the practice session of the 2017 Kohler Grand Prix at Road America as a replacement for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports' Mikhail Aleshin. It was not long after that the Canadian would sign a full-time deal with the team for the next season.

Wickens delivered an unforgettable rookie campaign in 2018 with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Transitioning from a successful DTM career, he wasted no time establishing himself in IndyCar. In his debut season, he achieved seven top-five finishes, including four podiums, two of which were runner-up results.

One of Wickens’ standout moments came at the Indianapolis 500, where he led two laps and finished ninth. This earned him the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award.

Tragically, Wickens’ season was cut short due to a serious accident at Pocono Raceway, which left him with severe injuries. Despite the abrupt end to his campaign, his performances that year remain one of the most impressive rookie displays in recent memory.

#1. Sebastien Bourdais

Topping the list is Sebastien Bourdais, whose rookie season in 2003 set a benchmark for debut campaigns. The French driver joined Newman/Haas Racing in the Champ Car Series and quickly made his mark. Although his first three races yielded no top-10 finishes, Bourdais turned things around in spectacular fashion.

Over an 18-race season, Bourdais claimed three wins, three runner-up finishes, and seven podiums. He finished fourth in the championship standings, the second-highest points finish for a rookie since 2001. The Frenchman went on to win four consecutive Champ Car championships from 2004 to 2007.

Bourdais currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, driving for Cadillac Chip Ganassi Racing in the GTP category.