News Summary
Alex Palou achieves his first oval victory by winning the Indianapolis 500, displaying skill and determination in a race marked by strategic pit stops and intense lead changes. The win cements his status in auto racing history, making him the first Spaniard on the Borg-Warner Trophy and extending his championship lead in the series amidst a sellout crowd. The race featured dramatic moments including late crashes and penalties, highlighting the event’s enduring legacy as motorsport’s premier spectacle.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Alex Palou, a three-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, achieved a significant milestone in his racing career by winning the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 25, 2025. This victory marked Palou’s first oval win, solidifying his prowess on this challenging track and enhancing his status in the world of auto racing.
Palou’s triumph followed a dramatic race that began 43 minutes late due to passing sprinkles. The race concluded under caution when rookie Nolan Siegel crashed on the final lap, allowing Palou to take the checkered flag. He took a moment to savor the tradition of drinking milk from the winner’s bottle, declaring it the best milk he had ever tasted.
Throughout the race, Palou displayed determination and skill, passing Marcus Ericsson on Lap 187 and subsequently maintaining the lead without trailing again, ultimately finishing first. This victory now marks Palou’s fifth win in six INDYCAR SERIES races in the 2025 season, widening his championship lead over competitor Pato O’Ward to 115 points. With this win, he earned a spot on the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy, making history as the first Spaniard to achieve this honor.
Chip Ganassi Racing celebrated its sixth Indianapolis 500 victory and its first since Ericsson’s win in 2022. In an unusual turn of events, Marcus Ericsson, who originally finished second, was later relegated to 31st place due to technical infractions. This change promoted David Malukas to second place and allowed O’Ward to take third.
Race Highlights and Strategy
The race was marked by a chaotic first half, featuring six of the seven caution periods occurring within the initial 108 laps. Following this tumultuous start, the later stages of the race evolved into a strategic battle involving pit stops and navigating through thick traffic. Palou executed his final pit stop on Lap 168, allowing him to regroup before advancing his position.
After Ryan Hunter-Reay and others completed their pit stops, David Malukas briefly took the lead on Lap 169. However, Malukas’s strong position deteriorated when he encountered difficulties with lapped traffic, creating an opportunity for Palou to reclaim the lead. Using aerodynamic tow, Palou surged past Ericsson on Lap 187 in what was one of the 22 lead changes that occurred during the race—a figure that marks the third-highest total in Indianapolis 500 history.
Audience and Pre-race Events
The event drew a sellout crowd of 350,000 spectators to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, reinforcing the race’s reputation as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Prior to the race, a pre-race scandal regarding illegal modifications involving Team Penske led to both Josef Newgarden and Will Power starting from the last row, marking a controversial highlight before the green flag waved. Newgarden was aiming to become the first driver to win three consecutive Indianapolis 500 races but faced mechanical failure, which knocked him out of contention by Lap 135.
Palou’s victory at the Indianapolis 500 not only showcases his abilities as a driver on oval tracks but also highlights his established position within the series as a formidable competitor. The 2025 season continues to unfold with excitement as Palou’s championship journey progresses further.
The Indianapolis 500 remains one of the most revered events in motorsports, with this year’s race adding yet another layer to its storied legacy.
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Additional Resources
- INDYCAR News: Fantastic 5 from the 500
- INDYCAR Schedule: 2026 Indianapolis 500
- INDYCAR News: Harvey Joins 2026 Indy
- INDYCAR News: 2026 NXT Schedule
- INDYCAR News: 500 Replacement Driver
- Wikipedia: Indianapolis 500
- Google Search: Indianapolis 500 2025
- Google Scholar: Indianapolis 500
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indianapolis 500
- Google News: Indianapolis 500 2025
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
