Ganassi Driver’s Fourth Win in 2025 Puts Him Closer to History
With Formula One and Formula E taking a rare break this weekend, all eyes turned to IndyCar. And, America’s premier open-wheel race series did not disappoint.
Alex Palou continued his dominant form by winning the Sonsio Grand Prix on Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The Spaniard’s triumph was his third straight at this event, setting a new race record. He also became the first driver since Sebastien Bourdais in 2006 to win four of the first five races.
“I cannot describe the amazing season we’ve had so far,” Palou said. “It’s unbelievable. I owe everything to the team.”
Palou led 29 laps en route to victory in his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. He beat Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward by 5.4840 seconds. Although series veteran, Graham Rahal was impressive throughout, he slipped back to 6th by the checkered flag.
INDYCAR’s new tire rule requiring drivers to use two sets of each compound added intrigue. Rahal used fresh sets early, while Palou ran on scuffed tires. On Lap 41, both drivers pitted together. Rahal went with scuffed alternates, but Palou’s team opted for new primaries. That decision proved decisive.
Palou’s primary tires held up better. Combined with his remaining Push-to-Pass, they allowed him to close the gap and overtake Rahal on Lap 58.
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Palou’s season has been nearly flawless. He’s now won at St. Petersburg, Thermal, Barber, and Indy’s road course, with a second-place at Long Beach. After just five races, he leads the championship by 97 points over Kyle Kirkwood.
Now, Palou turns his attention to a new goal—the Indy 500. Despite his rising status, he has never won the sport’s biggest race or triumphed on an oval.
If he succeeds at Indy, the next target becomes the Astor Cup. A fourth series title in five years would place him among the sport’s all-time greats. Only Bourdais, with four straight from 2004-07, has managed that feat in the modern era.
Palou could even challenge the record for most wins in a single season. A.J. Foyt (1964) and Al Unser (1970) hold the benchmark with 10 victories.
Palou now enters the most important stretch of the season with unmatched momentum. Practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 begins Tuesday at noon ET.
Will this be the year Palou finally conquers the Brickyard? He’s already inching toward immortality.
IMAGES: IndyCar
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