Max Papis announces departure as IndyCar chief steward
Max Papis has confirmed that the 2026 IndyCar season was his final year as chief steward. The 57-year-old Italian announced his departure via social media, ending an 11-year stint in IndyCar race control. Papis transitioned into officiating following a racing career that included seven Formula 1 starts in 1995, three victories over an 11-year career in IndyCar, and multiple starts across ... Keep…
Max Papis, the chief steward of IndyCar for the 2026 season, has announced his departure from his 11-year role in the sport. The 57-year-old Italian officially confirmed his retirement via social media, marking the end of a long career in motorsports. Prior to IndyCar, Papis started seven races in Formula 1 in 1995, secured three victories during an 11-year tenure in IndyCar, and participated in numerous NASCAR events.
Papis' departure follows a month after IndyCar extended contracts for Independent Officiating Board (IOB) members Ray Evernham, Raj Nair, and Ronan Morgan through the 2027 season. The organization also reaffirmed Scot Elkins' position as Managing Director of Officiating (MDO) for 2027, further ensuring the continuity of IndyCar's race control and technical inspection processes.
In a heartfelt message to the IndyCar community, Papis expressed his personal gratitude for the trust and respect shown by drivers during his tenure. He emphasized his commitment to fostering an environment where drivers could compete aggressively, without interference, and highlighted his goal to make the sport better for everyone. Papis expressed his hope that he had contributed positively to the sport's growth and left it in a better state than when he initially joined.
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