Alex Palou, the three-time reigning IndyCar Series champion, has finally conquered the Indianapolis 500, securing his first victory at the iconic Brickyard. In a thrilling race filled with drama and excitement, Palou navigated a challenging 200 laps to emerge victorious, adding his name to the prestigious list of Indy 500 winners.
Palou's journey to the top step of the podium was far from easy. The race, held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, saw a delayed start due to a brief rain shower, setting the stage for an unpredictable afternoon. From the drop of the green flag, chaos ensued, with multiple cautions and incidents shaking up the running order. Scott McLaughlin crashed on the pit straight during the pace lap, and Marco Andretti, continued his family's unfortunate streak at Indy, crashing out on the first racing lap.
Despite the early challenges, Palou remained calm and collected, steadily working his way through the field. Starting from a strong position, he maintained a presence in the top 10 throughout the first half of the race, showcasing his skill and determination. As the race progressed, Palou found himself in a strategic battle, leapfrogging competitors through pit stops and fuel strategies.
With less than 50 laps remaining, the race intensified as drivers pushed their cars to the limit. Palou executed a masterful final pit stop on Lap 168, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown with Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 winner. Ericsson, who had stayed out longer to build a fresh tire and fuel advantage, emerged just ahead of Palou after his own stop.
In a breathtaking move with just 14 laps to go, Palou seized the lead, diving underneath Ericsson into Turn 1. The daring pass proved to be the decisive moment of the race, as Palou defended his position with unwavering focus and precision. A late caution, triggered by a crash involving Nolan Siegel on the final lap, sealed Palou's victory, bringing the race to an end under yellow.
The win marked a significant milestone in Palou's already impressive career. The Spaniard, driving the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, secured his first oval-race victory, adding the coveted Indy 500 title to his three IndyCar Series championships. He also became the first Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500, further cementing his place in racing history. This was Palou's fifth win in six races to start the 2025 season.
The victory was celebrated wildly by Palou and his Chip Ganassi Racing team. Palou parked his car just past the Yard of Bricks, climbed out, and tossed his gloves away as he ran down the frontstretch to embrace his team members and his father, Ramon.
While Palou celebrated his triumph, other drivers faced disappointment. Josef Newgarden's bid for a historic third consecutive Indy 500 win was thwarted by mechanical issues. Kyle Larson, in his attempt to complete the "double" by racing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, crashed out of the race on Lap 91.
The 2025 Indianapolis 500 will be remembered as a thrilling and historic race, marked by Alex Palou's dominant performance and his long-awaited victory at the Brickyard. With his first Indy 500 win, Palou has solidified his legacy as one of the sport's great champions.
