Alex Palou Wins Historic Indy 500, 1st Spanish Driver to Take Victory/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Alex Palou becomes the first Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500. The reigning IndyCar champion adds the missing jewel to his racing legacy. The dramatic victory caps a dominant stretch for both Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing.
Palou’s Indy 500 Triumph Quick Looks
- Historic Win: First Spanish driver to win the Indy 500
- Dominant Form: Palou has now won 5 of 6 races this season
- Ganassi Glory: Team earns sixth Indy 500 victory
- Victory Lap: Celebrates with family, team, and a sweet sip of milk
- Pacers Connection: Plans to attend Indiana playoff game after race
- Ericsson Second: Former teammate finishes runner-up again
- Penske Troubles: Defending champ Josef Newgarden exits with fuel issues
Deep Look: Alex Palou Makes IndyCar History with First Spanish Win at Indy 500
Alex Palou’s Indianapolis 500 victory wasn’t just a win—it was a milestone, a culmination, and the latest crowning moment in a rising dynasty. The 27-year-old Spaniard, already a two-time reigning IndyCar champion, crossed the finish line under caution Sunday at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, becoming the first Spanish driver in history to win the prestigious race.
A Spanish Milestone in American Racing
Palou’s win at the 108th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” sent Spanish fans into a frenzy and cemented his legacy among IndyCar’s elite. Though Spain has long revered its Formula 1 heroes like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz Jr., Palou has carved out a space of his own with his stateside dominance.
“It makes it extra special that I’m the first Spanish driver to win it,” Palou said. “But honestly, if I was the 50th Spanish driver to win, I would be just as happy.”
A Family Affair in Victory Lane
Celebrating with his wife, their baby, and team owner Chip Ganassi, Palou passed around the ceremonial milk in Victory Lane. The moment was full of joy, climaxed by a roof-top celebration on the victory lap vehicle that nearly saw Palou lose his footing—only to be steadied by an alert Ganassi.
“I have to tell you, it was the best milk I ever had,” Palou said.
A Championship Season in the Making
Already on a hot streak entering the race, Palou had won four of the first five races this season. His win at Indy makes it five out of six, a pace not seen since A.J. Foyt’s seven-race streak in 1964.
“Look at the last five, six races we’ve had,” said Ganassi. “It’s just incredible. He’s on a roll.”
Ganassi’s sixth Indy 500 win is further evidence of the team’s continued reign over IndyCar since signing Palou in 2021.
From Bricks to Basketball
Palou, who had sported a Tyrese Haliburton jersey in Saturday’s Indy 500 parade, planned to attend the Indiana Pacers’ playoff matchup with the New York Knicks later that evening—bridging the city’s love for motorsport and basketball.
“That’s going to help some people in Indiana to know me,” Palou joked.
A Last-Lap Sprint Seals the Deal
Palou’s charge past Marcus Ericsson with 16 laps to go was the defining move of the race. Running in fuel-conservation mode, he finally decided to make his move—and never looked back.
Ericsson, who won the race in 2022, was crushed.
“It will keep me up at night. What I did and what I didn’t do,” he said.
David Malukas secured third for A.J. Foyt Racing, while Pato O’Ward—Palou’s co-favorite—finished fourth, continuing his consistent record at the Brickyard.
Penske’s Painful Week
It was a forgettable race for Team Penske. Josef Newgarden, attempting to win a third straight Indy 500, retired due to a fuel pump failure. Will Power finished a disappointing 19th, the highest among Penske drivers.
Penske’s woes follow a turbulent week that saw three top IndyCar executives fired amid scrutiny over repeated technical violations.
Palou’s Legacy in the Making
With three titles, now an Indy 500 win, and perhaps a fourth championship on the horizon, Palou’s place in IndyCar history is quickly being written.
“This is going to make Alex Palou’s career,” Ganassi declared. “It is going to make his life.”
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