Alexander Rossi

Alexander Michael "Alex" Rossi (born September 25, 1991) is an American racing driver, who competes in the IndyCar Series for Ed Carpenter. Rossi competed in Formula One at five Grands Prix in 2015. In American open-wheel racing, Rossi won the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie in 2016 with Bryan Herta Autosport; in endurance racing, he won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2021 with WTR.
Full Name:
Alexander Michael Rossi
Birthday:
25 September 1991
Birthplace:
Nevada City, California, USA
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Primary Series:
Awards:
Indy 500 Rookie of the Year (Win Year 2016), IndyCar Rookie of the Year (Win Year 2016)
Notable Achievements:
Indianapolis 500 (Race Win Year 2016), Gallagher Grand Prix (Race Win Year 2022),
Car Number:
20

Alexander Rossi Bio

Early Life and Background

Alexander Michael “Alex” Rossi was born on September 25, 1991, in Nevada City, California, USA. Growing up in a family that supported his passion for racing, Rossi began his journey in motorsports at a young age. He often woke up early on Sunday mornings to watch Formula One races from Europe, fueling his ambition to become a professional driver. Rossi graduated from Forest Lake Christian High School at the age of 16 to pursue his racing career in Europe.

Path to IndyCar Series

Rossi’s racing career began in the United States, where he competed in various karting series before moving to Europe as a teenager. He found success in the GP2 Series, winning four races and showcasing his talent. After serving as a test driver for Caterham F1 and Marussia F1, Rossi made his Formula One debut in 2015. However, after failing to secure a full-time seat for the 2016 season, he returned to the U.S. to compete in the IndyCar Series, where he joined Andretti Autosport.

Alexander Rossi Career

Early Career (2005–2015)

Rossi’s early career included significant achievements in various junior formulas. He became the youngest winner in the Skip Barber National Championship at age 14 and won the Formula BMW Americas championship in 2008. His success continued in Europe, where he competed in GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5, ultimately leading to his Formula One debut in 2015.

IndyCar Series Breakthrough (2016–2019)

Rossi made his IndyCar debut at the 2016 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where he finished 12th as the top rookie. His breakout moment came at the Indianapolis 500, where he won the race as a rookie, starting from the 11th position. Rossi managed his fuel effectively and led the final laps, earning him the title of Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. He continued to perform well, finishing 11th in the series standings that year.

In 2017, Rossi secured his second career victory at Watkins Glen International, showcasing his ability on road courses. His performance peaked in 2018 and 2019, where he finished second and third in the Drivers’ Championship standings, respectively, with multiple podium finishes and consistent top performances.

Current Team Era (2023–Present)

In 2022, Rossi announced he would leave Andretti Autosport at the end of the season and signed with Arrow McLaren SP for 2023. His performance improved significantly after the Indianapolis 500, where he finished fifth. He won the Gallagher Grand Prix, ending a 49-race winless streak in the IndyCar Series. Rossi’s 2023 season began with a strong fourth-place finish in St. Petersburg, but he faced challenges with incidents and retirements in subsequent races.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Rossi is known for his strategic racing style, particularly in fuel management and tire conservation. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his experience in both ovals and road courses make him a versatile competitor in the IndyCar Series.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Rossi’s career highlights include winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, being named Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, and securing multiple wins and podium finishes in the IndyCar Series. His victory at the Gallagher Grand Prix in 2022 marked a significant milestone in his career, ending a lengthy winless period.

Alexander Rossi Career Wins

Rossi has achieved a total of eight wins in the IndyCar Series, with notable victories including the prestigious Indianapolis 500 and the Gallagher Grand Prix. His consistent performance has established him as a prominent figure in American open-wheel racing.

Current IndyCar Series Highlights

As of the 2025 season, Rossi has continued to compete at a high level, with a total of eight wins in the IndyCar Series. His most recent victory came at the Gallagher Grand Prix in 2022, and he remains a strong contender in the championship standings.

Previous IndyCar Series Achievements

Rossi’s previous achievements in the IndyCar Series include his remarkable win at the Indianapolis 500 in 2016 and a series of podium finishes that have solidified his reputation as a top driver. His performances in 2018 and 2019, where he finished second and third in the championship standings, highlight his competitive edge.

Alexander Rossi Family

Family Background and IndyCar Lineage

Rossi was born into a supportive family that encouraged his racing ambitions from a young age. While specific details about his family are not widely publicized, his upbringing in Nevada City, California, played a significant role in shaping his career.

Personal Life

Rossi is known to be a fan of the New England Patriots and has expressed his faith as an important aspect of his life. He has participated in various media appearances and is involved in charitable activities, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has seen Rossi continue to adapt to his new team, Ed Carpenter Racing, after leaving Arrow McLaren SP. He has shown promise with a strong start, including a fourth-place finish in St. Petersburg. However, the season has also presented challenges, including incidents that have affected his standings. As the season progresses, Rossi aims to build momentum and secure more top finishes to contend for the championship.