Palou survives Detroit chaos to deliver another statement win

©IndyCar/Chris Owens

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©IndyCar/Chris Owens

Alex Palou continues to rewrite the IndyCar history books, surviving a chaotic, full-contact Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix to capture his fourth victory of the season.

Just a week after enduring a challenging Indy 500, the Chip Ganassi Racing charger led 71 of 100 laps on the tight street circuit, showcasing both blistering pace and masterful restart management through six full-course cautions.

A critical strategy call on lap 63 to switch to the durable primary tyres proved to be the winning masterstroke. Despite facing immense pressure and navigating a flat-spotting tire lockup late in the race, Palou crossed the finish line over three seconds ahead of the field.

“It feels like the first time, honestly,” Palou beamed afterward. “It was a tough one, a very tough one. But the team did an incredible job once again with the strategy. The pit stops were incredible.

“Incredible run, incredible start of the year, but it was tough.”

©IndyCar/Chris Owens

Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood gave a valiant chase on alternate tyres, matching Palou’s intensity before settling for a hard-fought second place. Graham Rahal completed the podium in third, securing his third top-three finish of the year.

With this latest triumph, Palou boasts a staggering 48% win rate since 2025 and extends his championship lead to 62 points as he chases a record-tying fourth consecutive title.

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.