Palou leaves rivals chasing shadows in Alabama... again

©IndyCar/Aaron Skillman

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©IndyCar/Aaron Skillman

Four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou has made it a habit of turning the picturesque rolling hills of Barber Motorsports Park into his personal playground, while the rest of the field is running out of answers.

From pole to checkered flag, Palou delivered a masterclass at the Alabama Grand Prix, leading 79 of 90 laps and stretching his advantage to a crushing 13-second margin by the finish.

It wasn’t flawless – tyre wear briefly gave his rivals a glimpse of hope – but when it mattered most, the Chip Ganassi Racing charger and reigning champion simply disappeared up the road.

“Incredible day,” Palou said. “I told you qualifying was one of the best car balances I’ve ever driven… Another win here. Love this place, love the fans. What a great day.”

Behind him, Christian Lundgaard showed serious pace, hunting Palou down before a costly slow pit stop shattered his chances of a real fight. Still, the McLaren driver clawed back to second with a late, bold move – proof that the speed was there, even if fortune wasn’t.

Graham Rahal completed the podium, holding firm under pressure to secure a long-awaited return to the top three.

“I felt like this was coming,” Rahal said. “We’re pretty pleased with this. Feels good.”

But the day belonged to Palou – again.

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.