INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Alex Palou made history Sunday at the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first Spanish driver to win the iconic race, delivering a dominant performance and a celebration to remember at the Brickyard.
After crossing the finish line under caution, Palou stepped out of his car, raised his arms in triumph, and sprinted down the track, tossing his gloves to the crowd. In Victory Lane, he embraced tradition with a swig of milk—then passed it to his wife, who shared it with their baby. Team owner Chip Ganassi capped it off with a celebratory drink of his own.
“It’s the best milk I’ve ever had,” Palou beamed.
The 27-year-old’s win marked Ganassi’s sixth Indy 500 victory and came in style, with Palou climbing atop a truck for a victory lap with his family, wreath around his neck, arms raised high. He wobbled slightly on the roof—prompting Ganassi to reach for him—but true to form, Palou never lost control.
“I’ve got my family here, my team beside me—it’s just incredible,” Palou said. “They’re the reason I look so good out there.”
Already a three-time IndyCar Series champion, Palou entered the race as a clear favorite after winning four of the season’s first five races. His drive on Sunday only solidified his status as the sport’s rising superstar.
Fellow IndyCar greats Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti, both Indy 500 winners with Ganassi, embraced Palou in celebration, welcoming him to an exclusive club.
Though Spain is more familiar with Formula 1 stars like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, Palou’s landmark win may shift the spotlight. “It’s extra special to be the first from Spain to win,” he said. “But even if I were the 50th, I’d still be just as happy.”
Behind him, Marcus Ericsson finished a heartbroken second, missing out on a second Indy 500 title. “It’s painful,” said Ericsson. “I’ll be replaying that final move in my head a million times.”
David Malukas finished third for A.J. Foyt Racing, while Pato O’Ward of Mexico came fourth, marking his fifth top-six finish in six Indy 500 starts.
For Josef Newgarden, the defending champion, hopes of a three-peat ended with a mechanical issue. Starting from the back after a technical inspection penalty, he and Penske teammate Will Power couldn’t overcome the deficit. Power was the team’s top finisher in 19th on a rough day for Roger Penske’s organization—still grappling with controversy after a wave of internal firings earlier in the week.
As for Palou, the win could be career-defining. “This race changes everything,” Ganassi said. “It’s going to shape his career, his life—and it’s certainly shaped mine.”
Now with his Indy 500 win checked off, Palou’s attention could shift back to his championship campaign—and even local stardom. The day before, he’d worn a Tyrese Haliburton jersey in the Indy 500 parade. “Hopefully some Indiana folks will recognize me now,” he joked.
Palou sealed his win by overtaking Ericsson with 16 laps to go, after laps of fuel conservation. “That moment will keep me up at night,” said Ericsson.
But for Palou, it was the culmination of a dream. He finished with arms raised, family in his arms, and a celebration worthy of history.
