Palou wins Indy 500, heartbreak for McLaughlin

Alex Palou has added to his IndyCar perfection, by winning the 109th Indianapolis 500 by six tenths, while Scott McLaughlin suffered the “worst moment of my life.”

Having never won on an oval before, Palou picked the perfect stage to do it at by overcoming former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson in a tight strategy game in the biggest race of them all.

Palou was on the conventional strategy, but had to work his way past a number of fuel saving rivals to regain track position.

It was not until Lap 186 of 200 where Palou denied Ericsson, diving down the inside of Turn 1 and snaring the lead.

The Swede kept the pressure on all the way to the end and despite a slide through Turn 2 on the final lap, Palou held firm.

David Malukas, Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist completed the top five.

Having already won four of the first five races, the addition of the Borg-Warner Trophy only extends the Chip Ganassi driver’s legacy.

Palou is the first Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500.

“I cannot believe it. What an amazing day. What an amazing race,” Palou said. 

“I cannot believe it. It was tough. Tough conditions out there, especially if you were like, third or fourth in the pack. 

“Even leading, the fuel consumption was super high, so they didn’t want me to lead. I wanted to lead, honestly, so yeah, made it happen.”

Alex Palou enjoys the taste of the winner’s milk. Image: Penske

Kiwi McLaughlin was Team Penske’s leading hope on a tough week, but in a new low the “Yellow Submarine” was out even before the race began.

The Supercars champion slammed the wall as he tried to warm up his tyres on the warm up lap and was completely shattered.

McLaughlin was seen on his knees in tears with his head in his hands after the incident.

“I really have no idea what happened,” a heartbroken McLaughlin said. “I can’t believe we’re out of the race. I had so much hope. It’s the worst moment of my life.”

Team Penske’s hopes then turned to Josef Newgarden, who was chasing a hat-trick and he had a solid start before fuel issues sent him into retirement.

Australia’s Will Power was the only Penske driver to finish in 19th after starting from the back.

Surprise pole sitter Robert Shwartzman hit the wall and retired on Lap 89.

Palou only has a few days to enjoy the taste of milk before the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend.

2025 Indianapolis 500 results

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine