Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood recently discussed his prospects in the ongoing IndyCar Championship, focusing on his chances to overtake leader Alex Palou in the 2025 season. The Florida native, piloting the #27 Honda-powered car, currently holds second place in the standings with 317 points, trailing Palou by over 100 points.
In a conversation with Fox Motorsports insider Bob Pockrass, Kirkwood was asked about his belief in winning the championship and how many races he might need to secure the title. Kirkwood responded candidly about narrowing the points gap, saying,
“I would, yeah I think if we can get to inside 85 points, I think we’ll still have a shot, right? I think that’s a legitimate number, that we know we got some good races coming up. We got Toronto, we got Nashville, we were good at Laguna last year, even though he won. We were really good at that track in Milwaukee is also a track that he didn’t have much fortune in last year, so we got some good races coming up. But we also need to get within a realm that it is still attainable.”
Kirkwood’s confidence reflects key upcoming circuits where he believes he can capitalize and reduce the points deficit to Palou.
Racing highlights showcase Kirkwood’s strong 2025 season so far
The 26-year-old has demonstrated impressive form this season, marked notably by his pole position and victory at the 50th anniversary ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13. At the recent XPEL Road America event, Kirkwood qualified third and finished just shy of the podium in fourth place, reinforcing his consistency as a top contender.
Over the ten races completed this year, Kirkwood has secured three wins, contributing to his standing as the only driver realistically challenging Palou for the championship lead.
Kyle Kirkwood reflects on handling pressure in the title chase
In an IndyCar feature aimed at introducing drivers more personally, Kirkwood opened up about the pressure that comes with chasing the championship. Speaking with Bob Pockrass during Fox Sports’ Q&A, the Andretti Global driver admitted he does not feel overwhelmed by expectations.
Regarding the stress and scrutiny of being Palou’s main rival, Kirkwood stated,
“I don’t mind it, if I’m being honest. We’re going to do everything in our power. We’ve had pace, we’ve had everything to get it done here in the middle part of the season. And if anything, it just gives me confidence in my team, in my car and our ability to go out and do cool things. So I don’t see it as a negative in the sense of there’s too much pressure on me.”
This mindset highlights Kirkwood’s determination and trust in his team as he seeks to close the gap in the championship standings.
What lies ahead for Kirkwood as the season progresses
With a 113-point deficit currently separating him from Alex Palou, Kirkwood’s path to the 2025 IndyCar title depends heavily on strong performances in the upcoming races. Tracks like Toronto, Nashville, Laguna Seca, and Milwaukee offer promising opportunities for Kirkwood, both historically and based on last year’s results.
The season‘s remaining events will test whether Kirkwood can sustain his momentum and exploit his team’s capabilities to overcome Palou’s lead. His focused outlook and recent track record ensure that the championship battle remains intense and unpredictable as both contenders push forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did McLaren sue Alex Palou over $47.5 million contract dispute?
A. The McLaren F1 team is involved in a $47 million legal battle after a driver changed their contract decision. Alex Palou, who has won the IndyCar championship three times, needs to travel to London after the Daytona 24-hour race this weekend. He will attend mediation with McLaren, which is suing him for at least $47.5 million over a contract dispute.