Alex Palou continued his strong form from 2025 by capturing a commanding victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking the start of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Racing under a bright Florida sky, Palou steered his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a decisive win, extending his remarkable career achievements.
Key Moments and Podium Finishers
Last season, Palou secured his third consecutive and fourth overall championship with a significant 196-point lead. His performance on race day reflected that dominance as he finished nearly 12.5 seconds ahead of Scott McLaughlin, who drove the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet and had earned the NTT P1 Award. Christian Lundgaard, starting from 12th position, impressively pushed forward to claim third place in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
Kyle Kirkwood, who once held second place during the 100-lap race, ultimately placed fourth piloting the No. 27 JM Bullion/Gold.com Honda for Andretti Global. Meanwhile, Pato O’Ward contributed to Arrow McLaren’s strong presence by finishing fifth in the No. 5 Chevrolet.
Outlook Following the Season Opener
This strong showing from Palou and his competitors signals an exciting and competitive season ahead. Palou’s 20th career victory in his 99th start showcases his growing legacy in INDYCAR racing, as Chip Ganassi Racing and other teams prepare for battles on upcoming circuits. Fans are eager to see how this momentum will shape the championship race moving forward.
