Alex Palou Makes History with First Indianapolis 500 Victory Amid Weather Delays and High Drama
Indianapolis, IN – May 25, 2025 — Alex Palou captured his first Indianapolis 500 win on Sunday, overcoming a rain delay, a series of dramatic crashes, and fierce competition to etch his name in motorsport history as the first Spanish driver to win the iconic event. The 109th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was marked by unpredictable weather, early chaos, and a race-ending caution, but Palou’s poise and skill delivered a landmark victory for both himself and Chip Ganassi Racing.
A Race Delayed and Defined by Drama
The start of the race was postponed due to rain, keeping fans and teams on edge as officials waited for safe conditions. Once the green flag finally waved, the drama began almost immediately. Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin, a pre-race favorite, crashed during the pace laps while warming his tires, ending his day before the competition truly began. Marco Andretti, another high-profile contender, was eliminated just four laps in after being squeezed into the wall in a crowded pack.
Mechanical issues and pit lane incidents added to the chaos. Pole-sitter Robert Shwartzman crashed into his own pit crew due to a brake problem, causing minor injuries, while Alexander Rossi’s car caught fire in the pits. Two-time defending Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden, who had surged from last to sixth, was forced to retire with a mechanical failure.
Team Penske Turmoil
Team Penske entered the race under a cloud, as both the Nos. 2 and 12 cars were penalized for using modified attenuators, relegating them to the last row of the grid. The team also announced the departure of several key figures, including team president Tim Cindric, managing director Ron Ruzewski, and general manager Kyle Moyer, intensifying the scrutiny on one of IndyCar’s most storied organizations.
Palou’s Winning Move and Celebration
Palou, already a three-time IndyCar champion, spent much of the final stint in fuel-saving mode behind Marcus Ericsson. With 16 laps remaining, Palou made his decisive move, overtaking Ericsson and holding the lead as a final-lap crash brought out the yellow flag, sealing his victory under caution. David Malukas finished third, with Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist rounding out the top five.
After taking the checkered flag, Palou celebrated in traditional fashion, stopping his car just past the Yard of Bricks, climbing atop it to salute the crowd, and sharing the ceremonial bottle of milk with his family and team owner Chip Ganassi. The win also marked Palou’s fifth victory in the first six races of the 2025 season, extending his championship lead and putting him on course for a possible fourth title in five years.
A New Chapter in Indy 500 History
Palou’s triumph was not just a personal milestone but a historic one for Spain, as he became the first driver from his country to claim victory at the Indianapolis 500. His remarkable run this season, with only a single second-place finish at Long Beach, has positioned him as the dominant force in IndyCar.
Lighter Moments Amid the Tension
The day also featured lighter moments, including the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile race, where six of the iconic vehicles competed to determine the “top dog” at the Speedway—providing fans with some levity amid the high-stakes action.
“I cannot believe it. What an incredible day. What an incredible race,” Palou said after his win, summing up the emotion and magnitude of his achievement.
With this victory, Alex Palou’s journey from Barcelona to the Brickyard is complete, and his place in racing history is secure.