The 109th Indianapolis 500 qualifying took place on May 17–18, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, producing a historic pole win for rookie Robert Shwartzman and a series of unfortunate events for Team Penske. Across two days of time trials, 33 starters were locked in, with positions 1–6 decided in the Fast Six session, positions 7–12 determined in the subsequent Fast 12, and the final row set during Bump Day’s Last Chance Qualifying.
Shwartzman’s Historic Pole Position
In a stunning debut, PREMA Racing rookie Robert Shwartzman secured the pole position with a four-lap average of 232.790 mph, becoming the first rookie to claim Indy 500 pole since Teo Fabi in 1983. Shwartzman’s performance was even more remarkable given PREMA Racing’s lack of prior oval experience; the team became the first rookie squad to earn pole at Indianapolis since Teddy Mayer’s Mayer Motor Racing in 1984. Shwartzman’s run dethroned two-time winner Takuma Sato, who qualified second at 232.478 mph. Pato O’Ward completed the Fast Six in third with a 232.098 mph average, followed closely by Scott Dixon (232.052 mph), Felix Rosenqvist (231.987 mph), and Álex Palou (231.378 mph).
Team Penske’s Qualifying Woes
Team Penske endured a disastrous qualifying weekend, starting with Scott McLaughlin’s violent crash during Sunday practice when he spun in Turn 2 and destroyed his primary car. McLaughlin, last year’s pole-sitter, did not attempt a Fast 12 run and was relegated to start 10th in the field. Compounding Penske’s troubles, both Josef Newgarden and Will Power failed inspection for illegal modifications to the rear attenuator—an unauthorized attempt to improve aerodynamic flow—which led to their disqualification from Fast 12 and placement in the fourth row (11th and 12th, respectively). As a result, all three Penske entries that swept last year’s front row were bumped back to positions 10–12, marking an unprecedented setback for the team.
Fast Six and Top 12 Starting Grid
The Fast Six session on May 18 determined the first six starting positions:
- Robert Shwartzman, PREMA Racing, 232.790 mph
- Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, 232.478 mph
- Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren, 232.098 mph
- Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing, 232.052 mph
- Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank Racing, 231.987 mph
- Álex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, 231.378 mph
Positions 7–12 (Fast 12 losers):
7. David Malukas, A.J. Foyt Racing
8. Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren
9. Marcus Ericsson, Andretti Global
10. Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
11. Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
12. Will Power, Team Penske
Dramatic Bump Day Decides Final Row
Bump Day’s Last Chance Qualifying unfolded on May 18 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., featuring four drivers vying for three spots: Marco Andretti, Rinus VeeKay, Marcus Armstrong, and Jacob Abel. After their guaranteed runs, VeeKay sat 33rd with a 226.913 mph average, while Abel trailed in 34th at 226.394 mph. With approximately eight minutes remaining, VeeKay withdrew his time and attempted a second run, posting 226.913 mph again—enough to stay ahead of Abel’s final attempt of 226.394 mph. Consequently, VeeKay claimed the 33rd and final grid position, and Abel was bumped to 34th, missing the race. Marco Andretti secured P31 (229.741 mph) and Marcus Armstrong P32 (229.091 mph) to round out the starting grid.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
With the front row featuring a surprise rookie and veteran contenders filling out the top six, anticipation is high for the May 25, 2025 Indianapolis 500. Robert Shwartzman, the first Israeli driver to earn pole at Indianapolis, will lead a diverse field of 33 cars, including major storylines around how Team Penske will rebound from their qualifying woes. As the racing world gears up for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Shwartzman’s pole run and Penske’s challenges will undoubtedly shape narratives leading into race day.
