Palou crushes field in St. Pete IndyCar opener

©IndyCar

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©IndyCar

Reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou opened his 2026 campaign in the series in ominous fashion on Sunday, sweeping to a crushing victory on the sun-drenched streets of St. Petersburg.

The Spaniard turned the 100-lap race into a masterclass of pace and precision. Starting fourth, Palou and his Chip Ganassi Racing crew executed a perfectly timed “overcut” during the first pit cycle, keeping him out just long enough to leapfrog the field. Once in clean air, he was untouchable.

He led 59 laps and crossed the line 12.4 seconds clear – the largest margin in the event’s history – to claim his 20th career win in just his 99th start.

“This team keeps on improving, keeps on making new changes, and they just keep on raising the bar,” Palou said. “It’s pretty impressive. It’s a long season in front of us, but what a great way to start the season.”

Even a late switch to harder primary tyres couldn’t slow him.

“Those Firestones were like everlasting,” Palou said. “They would just keep going. I had an amazing car today.”

Behind him, Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin charged to second after late passes, while Christian Lundgaard completed the podium for Arrow McLaren.

Unfortunately, IndyCar rookie Mick Schumacher saw his afternoon unravel in an opening-lap crash, becoming early collateral damage on a day that belonged entirely to Palou.

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.