BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alex Palou celebrated a remarkable victory at the Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix, dominating the race from start to finish. Leading 81 of the 90 laps, Palou finished 16 seconds ahead of runner-up Christian Lundgaard, marking what he described as a pivotal moment in his racing career.
Palou acknowledged the significance of his win, noting it stands out among his accomplishments in both IndyCar and his overall career. The 28-year-old driver from Spain not only secured pole position on Saturday but also excelled in Sunday’s warmup session, showcasing his strong form heading into the race. Once the green flag dropped, Palou’s commanding lead quickly set the tone for the competition.
“Securing the pole was tough, especially given how close the times were,” Palou said. “We were using older tires from qualifying, which added a challenge, but we were still able to perform well on race day.” Despite running on less-than-ideal tires compared to some of his competitors, he maintained a competitive edge throughout the event.
Since joining Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou has amassed an impressive record, with 14 victories in 71 races, translating to a win rate of nearly 20 percent. His performance metrics illustrate his consistency as well, with 34 podium finishes and an average finishing position of 5.4 since becoming a regular competitor in 2021. He continues to distinguish himself as a leading driver in the series.
With this latest win, Palou has expanded his lead in the IndyCar Drivers’ Championship standings, now sitting 34 points ahead of Lundgaard. He collected maximum points from the race, including an additional point for qualifying in pole position and further points for leading the most laps. In comparison, his lead after four races last season was just 12 points, setting the stage for a potentially dominant season ahead.
As the series moves toward the Indianapolis Grand Prix, Palou is riding a wave of momentum. He reflects on his previous successes at the Indy road course, expressing confidence in his team and their car’s performance. “We have been strong there in the past, but every year it feels like everyone else improves as well,” he noted. “The competition is fierce, and even small margins can determine success.”
Looking ahead to the Indianapolis 500, Palou expressed a determination to excel on the oval track, a venue where he has yet to secure a victory. “It’s a big race for everyone, and I plan to change my luck this year,” he stated. The excitement of May and the upcoming events is palpable; for Palou, the thrill of racing continues to grow with each passing year.
With a clear vision for the remainder of the season and the support of his team, Palou is poised to make significant strides in his quest for another championship. As he gears up for the next challenges, the racing world watches closely to see if he can maintain his current form and achieve even greater heights.