Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou, known for his skill and determination, secured a win at Road America after qualifying second, despite initial dissatisfaction with his team’s strategy. The Spaniard’s grumpiness about the early calls soon faded as the race unfolded and the strategy paid off, leading him to the top step of the podium.
Driving the #10 Honda-powered Chip Ganassi Racing car, Palou led six of the 55 laps en route to victory. This win marked his sixth of the season and third at Road America, as well as his 17th career victory, placing him among the top 30 all-time winners in the sport.
Palou Reflects on Chip Ganassi Racing Strategy and Team Effort
After the race, Palou shared his thoughts on the team’s tactical decisions and his initial reaction during a media session. He explained that he disagreed with Barry Wanser, the Chip Ganassi Racing team manager, about the strategy early on and admitted to being grumpy for a short time. However, he quickly recognized its effectiveness and expressed his gratitude for the team’s work:
“I didn’t agree with Barry’s strategy call. I got to be grumpy for a couple of laps, and then I saw it was working out, and I started saying thank you again. It was interesting, but for sure, we got the win because of the team that we had on both pit stops and strategy. They made it look really good, and HRC that gave us the mileage we needed to gamble and to make it with that stop that we did.” —Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing driver
This victory further confirmed Palou’s strong position in the 2025 IndyCar Series and showcased his trust in the team behind the scenes, especially in key moments like pit stops and strategy calls.
Alex Palou Maintains Focus Amid Recent Challenges
Before his Road America success, Palou faced two difficult races. At the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, he qualified ninth but finished eighth, while at the Detroit Grand Prix, his race ended prematurely due to a collision involving David Malukas. Despite these setbacks, Palou emphasized that he does not feel any pressure as the season progresses.
In an interview with Bob Pockrass, Palou reflected on his championship journey and the resilience needed to stay at the top. He highlighted that the earlier strong performance of the season gave him confidence and that he expects a tight championship battle moving forward:
“It didn’t add any pressure at all just because I didn’t ever think that it was done or it was ours or anything like that. I knew that we just had a perfect start of the season, and obviously you could see a big point difference.” —Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing driver
“I expect that it’s going to get very tight. It’s going to make it interesting. I just hope that we are there at the end to fight for it,” he added. —Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing driver
Currently, Palou leads the championship standings with 386 points, holding a significant 93-point lead over Kyle Kirkwood, who sits in second place. This gap gives Palou a clear advantage but also sets the stage for a competitive remainder of the season.
Palou Aims for Fourth Championship After Historic Season
The 2025 season has been remarkable for Palou, who became the first Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500 this year. With six wins out of nine races, his consistency and speed have made him the driver to beat. The #10 Chip Ganassi Racing driver is now focused on securing his fourth IndyCar Series championship, building on his previous titles and his strong team alliances.
Palou’s ability to stay calm under pressure, while being honest about moments of frustration, reveals a racer committed to excellence but grounded in teamwork. His success at Road America, combined with his championship lead, underscores the impact of strategic decisions and reliable pit work in achieving victory.