Alex Palou becomes first Spanish winner of Indianapolis 500, dashing Larson's 'Double' dreams

Express Tribune

26-05-2025

Álex Palou cemented his place in motorsport history on Sunday by winning the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first Spanish driver to take the chequered flag in 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'
The 28-year-old passed 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson on lap 187 of 200 to secure a career-first Indy 500 triumph, marking his fifth win of the 2025 IndyCar season and the sixth overall for Chip Ganassi Racing at the iconic event.
'I cannot believe it. What an amazing day. What an amazing race,' said Palou, who led a jubilant celebration after the finish, drinking the traditional milk and kissing the famed Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 'It's my first oval win — what better place than here?'
Palou, a native of Barcelona, said he hoped his historic victory would inspire more Spanish fans to follow the sport.
'Hopefully they are celebrating as much as I am here,' he said. 'But honestly, if I was the 50th Spanish driver to win it, I would be just as happy.'
Ericsson, driving for Andretti Global, was visibly disappointed after finishing second. 'I had the race covered,' he said. 'Second means nothing in this race.'
David Malukas finished third for AJ Foyt Racing, while American Josef Newgarden's hopes for a third consecutive Indy 500 ended prematurely due to a fuel pump failure.
Teammate Will Power also endured a difficult day, finishing 19th after both Penske drivers started from the rear following pre-qualifying infractions.
Earlier in the week, team owner Roger Penske sacked three executives following a second technical violation within a year — a move that further clouded the team's campaign despite its record 20 wins at the Brickyard.
Larson's 'Double' dashed again
NASCAR star Kyle Larson's highly anticipated attempt at the fabled 'Double' — racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day — ended in disaster for the second straight year.
Larson spun out on lap 91, crashing into the wall after contact with Takuma Sato unsettled his car on a restart. He finished 27th.
'Just a bit crazy there on the restart,' said Larson. 'I got loose and kind of got all over the place. Just hate that — got a little too eager.'
The crash also ended the races of Sting Ray Robb and Kyffin Simpson.
Though Larson managed to reach Charlotte in time for the Coca-Cola 600, his misfortunes continued. He was involved in another crash on lap 246 and failed to finish.
This marked his second unsuccessful attempt to join Tony Stewart, who in 2001 became the only driver to complete the grueling 1,100-mile feat across two vastly different racing disciplines in one day.
Asked if he would attempt the double again in 2026, Larson remained uncertain. 'The double is a tough undertaking,' he admitted. 'The window of time is just too tight.'
Ganassi celebrates sixth Indy 500 win
The victory gave Chip Ganassi Racing its first Indy 500 title since 2022. Team owner Chip Ganassi praised Palou's drive, calling it 'an incredible thing.'
'It's going to make Alex Palou's career, it's going to make his life, and it has certainly made mine,' Ganassi said.
Palou has now won three IndyCar championships in four seasons and appears well on course for another as the 2025 season progresses.