Reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou showcased his brilliance once again, securing a commanding victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver executed a masterclass in strategy and precision, overcoming fierce competition to claim his first win of the 2025 season.
Race Results:Click Here
Starting from eighth on the grid, Palou methodically worked his way through the field, capitalizing on key pit stops and navigating the challenging street circuit with remarkable composure. His No. 10 DHL Honda proved to be the class of the field, as he managed his tires and fuel flawlessly while maintaining blistering pace throughout the 100-lap event.
The race was marked by intense battles, particularly between Palou and six-time series champion Scott Dixon, his Ganassi teammate. Dixon, who completed nearly 90 laps without radio communication, showcased his own veteran prowess but ultimately finished second, 2.8669 seconds behind Palou.
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden rounded out the podium in third after a dramatic late-race duel with Dixon, while pole sitter Scott McLaughlin secured fourth place. The race was not without its challenges, as early caution periods reshuffled strategies, forcing teams to adapt on the fly.
Palou’s victory reaffirms his status as the man to beat in the 2025 INDYCAR season. With this win, he sends a strong message to the paddock that his quest for a third consecutive championship is well underway.
“It was an amazing job by everybody on the team,” Palou said in victory lane. “They gave me everything we needed this weekend to win. We knew we had a fast car, and we just had to execute. I’m so happy to start the season like this.”
As the series moves forward, Palou’s competitors will undoubtedly be looking for ways to dethrone the champion. But if his performance in St. Petersburg is any indication, the road to the 2025 title will go through the No. 10 Ganassi machine.
