Alex Palou, a 28-year-old Spaniard, etched his name in motorsport history by securing a momentous victory at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25, 2025. This triumph marked him as the first Spanish driver to ever win the prestigious race, solidifying his place among racing legends. The victory was met with widespread acclaim, including a congratulatory message from basketball icon Pau Gasol.
Gasol, a fellow Spaniard and a celebrated figure in the world of basketball, took to social media to express his pride and admiration for Palou's achievement. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gasol wrote, "@AlexPalou continues to make history and has become the first Spaniard to win the Indianapolis 500. Congratulations, Alex!" The post included a photo of Palou celebrating his win by triumphantly holding the traditional milk bottle, a quirky tradition of the Indy 500.
Palou's journey to victory was nothing short of spectacular. He showcased exceptional skill and composure, navigating the challenging race with precision. He took the lead with 14 laps remaining, overtaking Marcus Ericsson and skillfully holding off the Swede's late challenge to secure the win. The race itself was described as chaotic, featuring numerous yellow flags and 22 lead changes among 14 drivers. Despite the challenging conditions, Palou maintained his focus and ultimately emerged victorious.
The win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was not only a personal triumph for Palou but also a significant milestone for his team, Chip Ganassi Racing. It was their sixth Indy 500 victory and their first since 2022. Team owner Chip Ganassi acknowledged the magnitude of Palou's achievement, stating that it would define Palou's career and life.
Palou's victory was made even sweeter by the substantial prize money he earned. He took home $3.8 million from a record total purse of $20,283,000. While this was slightly less than the previous year's winner, Josef Newgarden, Palou's earnings reflect the significance of his achievement and the immense prestige of the Indianapolis 500.
Beyond the financial rewards, Palou's win carries immense historical weight. He is now immortalized on the Borg-Warner Trophy, a symbol of racing excellence, and has secured his place among the greatest drivers in the sport's history. His dominant performance in the 2025 IndyCar Series, with five wins in six races, further solidifies his status as a top contender and positions him as a favorite to win the championship.
The victory at the Indy 500 is expected to significantly elevate Palou's profile in Spain, where motorsport may not have the same widespread popularity as in the United States. However, with his historic win, Palou has captured the attention of his home country, and figures like Pau Gasol are helping to amplify his achievement and inspire a new generation of Spanish racing enthusiasts. Fellow Spanish racer and F1 driver, Carlos Sainz Jr., also congratulated Palou on Instagram.
Palou himself expressed his disbelief and joy after the race, stating, "I cannot believe it. What an amazing day. What an amazing race." He also embraced the Indy 500 tradition by drinking a bottle of milk on the victory podium, declaring it the "best milk I've ever tasted." His win marks a significant moment for Spanish motorsport and cements his legacy as one of the sport's rising stars.
