IndyCar News: In just 5 short years, Palou is becoming an IndyCar Legend
Over the past five years, Alex Palou (pictured) has carved out a legacy in IndyCar that’s hard to ignore. The 28-year-old Spaniard, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, has clinched four championships (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) and the 2025 Indianapolis 500, making him the first Spaniard to claim both an IndyCar title and the iconic Indy 500.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
His dominance is a blend of raw talent, team synergy, and a relentless drive that’s left competitors scrambling to keep up. Since joining Ganassi in 2021, Palou has racked up 19 wins in 95 starts, with a podium rate of over 43% and an average finish of 1.2 in 2025 alone.
His 2025 season, with eight wins, including five of the first six races, has been compared to the legendary runs of A.J. Foyt and Al Unser, placing him among IndyCar’s all-time greats.
Palou’s journey began humbly, sparked by a go-kart track he spotted as a kid in Spain. From there, he climbed through Euroformula Open, GP3, and Super Formula, where he was the 2019 Rookie of the Year, before landing in IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing in 2020.
His move to Ganassi in 2021 was a turning point. He won his first race at Barber Motorsports Park, setting the tone for a championship season that saw him outshine veterans like teammate Scott Dixon. By 2023, he was clinching titles before the season finale, a feat not seen since 2007. His 2025 campaign was a masterclass, with wins across road courses, street circuits, and his first oval triumph at the Indy 500, silencing critics who questioned his versatility.
What makes Palou so untouchable? Rivals point to a combination of factors. Christian Lundgaard, driving for Arrow McLaren, summed it up:
“The thing is, they are so good at everything, and they’re so good at executing. Even when they have bad weekends, they still come out ahead. That’s what’s super frustrating for all of us.”
He credits Palou’s No. 10 Ganassi team for raising the bar, with flawless strategy and pit stops that turn mistakes into minor hiccups.
Graham Rahal echoed this, marveling at Palou’s points lead: “I’ve been racing in this sport forever, and I’ve never seen this. It’s just massively impressive.” He highlighted the team’s momentum, likening it to Ganassi’s dominant late-1990s era with drivers like Alex Zanardi.
Pato O’Ward, who finished second in the 2025 standings, admitted, “We need to do something to stop this 10 car. These guys are really on a roll. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it.”
O’Ward, who battled Palou closely before mechanical issues derailed his 2025 title hopes, noted Palou’s ability to capitalize on new tire rules and strategic pit stops, especially on road courses where he’s nearly unbeatable.
Scott McLaughlin, fifth in 2025, called Palou “one of the best racecar drivers I’ve ever come across,” emphasizing his consistency: “He’s the whole deal. You’ve just got to keep knocking on the door.” Even four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves drew parallels to Ganassi’s golden years, saying, “It’s not just him; it’s the whole team. That gives him the confidence.”
Palou’s rivals also acknowledge his personal edge. His calm, measured approach—never obsessing over the championship but focusing on each race—sets him apart. “I never start a season or go to a race thinking about the championship,” Palou said.
“My goal is working for that race weekend.” This mindset, paired with Ganassi’s resources, like top-tier strategists and engineers, allows him to extract maximum pace from a spec series where small differences matter.
Fans on Reddit have compared his talent to Max Verstappen’s in Formula 1, noting that even in a spec series, Palou’s racecraft and team synergy create gaps others can’t close. One fan remarked, “He’s at the point now where he basically never has to truly fight for wins, but he’s getting them anyway.”
Yet, Palou’s dominance has sparked debate. Some, like posts on Beyond the Flag, suggest his success might hurt IndyCar’s appeal by making races predictable, though others argue it showcases the series’ depth, given the competitive grid he’s up against.
His 2025 season included massive winning margins, like 16 seconds at Barber and 10.2 at Thermal Club, feats unmatched by peers. Despite legal battles, including a $30 million lawsuit from McLaren after he opted to stay with Ganassi, Palou remains unfazed, focused on racing. “I’m just riding the wave and enjoying every second,” he said.
As Palou eyes the record for most wins in a season (10, set by Foyt and Unser), his rivals are left chasing a shadow. Marcus Ericsson, who finished second to Palou in the 2025 Indy 500, reflected on the loss: “It’s pretty painful. I’m replaying it in my head, wondering what I could’ve done differently.”
For now, Palou’s peers can only tip their caps, knowing they’re racing against a driver who, at 28, is already etching his name alongside IndyCar’s legends.