Josef Newgarden, a seasoned IndyCar driver since 2012, recently expressed high regard for Alex Palou, emphasizing Palou’s comprehensive racing abilities during a challenging 2025 IndyCar season. Newgarden praised Palou’s skills as a racer and recognized him as a standout competitor from the young group of drivers making waves in IndyCar today.
Alex Palou, who debuted in IndyCar in 2020 at the Genesys 300 in Texas, quickly demonstrated his strong potential. By 2021, Palou’s capabilities had earned him significant respect, with Newgarden naming him a serious championship contender thanks to his consistent performances and racecraft.
“He’s done the job, clearly. He’s been solid all year. I said earlier in the year, I think from the young crop of drivers he looks the most complete. Seems to be very Dixon-esque in a lot of ways. Scott has been sort of the measure over the last couple decades of how you be a champion. Alex seems to embody that pretty well.” —Josef Newgarden, IndyCar driver
Palou’s breakthrough came in 2021, when he secured his first IndyCar championship driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. That season, he scored 549 points with three Grand Prix victories, one pole position, ten top-five finishes, and twelve top-ten finishes. Newgarden narrowly missed the championship, finishing second with 511 points, highlighting the intensity of their rivalry.
Newgarden’s Challenges and Reflections Following the 2025 Indy 500
Josef Newgarden’s 2025 Indy 500 experience contrasted sharply with Palou’s success. Starting 32nd on the grid, Newgarden struggled throughout the 200-lap race, eventually finishing 22nd. The result was disappointing for the 34-year-old driver and his Team Penske outfit.
In a post-race interview, Newgarden reflected on the difficulty of competing at Indianapolis and the team aspect inherent to winning such a prestigious event.
“It’s tough to not have a shot here at the end. It’s a team sport. It takes everything to win here. I’m still immensely grateful to run at Indianapolis. As tough as it is to take, I still feel grateful to be out here today. I just wish we had a chance to fight for it. We didn’t get to see what we had in this Shell V-Power Chevrolet,” —Josef Newgarden, Team Penske driver
Throughout the current season, Newgarden has faced numerous mechanical and on-track setbacks, reflecting in his overall standing. After six rounds, he holds 104 points and sits 13th in the drivers’ championship. Within Team Penske, Newgarden ranks third behind teammates Scott McLaughlin and Will Power, who are positioned seventh and eighth, respectively.
Upcoming Opportunities and the Importance of the Detroit Grand Prix
With the 2025 season unfolding as one marked by obstacles, Josef Newgarden views the forthcoming Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix as a crucial moment to improve his standing. The race offers an opportunity to regain momentum, secure valuable points, and reassert his competitiveness amid strong rivals like Palou, McLaughlin, and Power.
Palou continues to be a benchmark of excellence for Newgarden and others on the circuit, with his championship pedigree and driving style setting a pace that inspires both admiration and determination.