Palou takes IndyCar championship lead after Laguna Seca win

©IndyCar

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou emerged victorious from a strategic chess match at Laguna Seca to win Sunday’s NTT IndyCar Series’ Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.

The Spaniard is a familiar face on the top step of the podium at Laguna, having won at the venue in 2022.

But Palou showcased his mastery of the track as he held off a strong challenge from Andretti’s Colton Herta in the closing laps, the CGR driver crossing the checkered flag a mere 1.9s ahead of his rival, while Arrow McLaren’s Alex Rossi completed the podium.

“It was a chaotic race, man,” Palou said. “We didn’t do a very good job on the starts and those restarts at the beginning.

“The strategy was a bit risky for the position we were in, but we knew we had the pace, and we just had to execute.”

The performance wasn't just a win on the day for Palou, it propelled him to the top of the NTT IndyCar Series’ championship standings.

Thanks to his second victory of the season, the 27-year-old now holds a comfortable 23-point lead over his closest competitor, Will Power.

©Indycar

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.