Alex Palou started from pole position and controlled the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey on Sunday, driving to his eighth IndyCar win of the 2025 season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. His dominant performance reinforced his position atop the championship standings with only three races remaining.
Continuing Success at Laguna Seca and Commanding Championship Lead
This win marked Palou’s third at Laguna Seca after previous victories in 2022 and 2024. With this latest triumph, the Spanish driver extended his season lead to 121 points, placing him on the brink of securing his third straight series championship and fourth overall. Meanwhile, second-place driver Pato O’Ward from Mexico remains mathematically capable of mounting a comeback after finishing fourth in the race.
Race Dynamics Highlight Palou’s Dominance and Team Strategy
Palou controlled the race by leading 84 out of 95 laps, relinquishing the front position only during pit stops. Nolan Siegel briefly led for 11 laps before Palou’s No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda returned to the lead. The Spaniard finished 3.7965 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard from Denmark, who took second place. American Colton Herta, O’Ward, and New Zealand’s Scott Dixon completed the top five.
Lundgaard Reflects on Key Pit Strategy and Team Effort
Christian Lundgaard, driving the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, achieved his fifth podium finish of the season. He emphasized the importance of pit stop timing throughout the event and the team’s adaptability to tire choices.
“I obviously knew that the pit sequences were really key around here,”
Lundgaard said.
“We went into this race not knowing if it was gonna be a red race (on alternate tires) or our primaries. It ended up being a red race, and I just can’t thank this team enough. Apparently this is the most podiums we’ve had in a year.”
—Christian Lundgaard, IndyCar driver
Palou’s Historic Achievement and Future Outlook
Palou became the first driver since Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais to win eight races in a single season, a feat last achieved in the now-defunct Champ Car series. His consistent performance and commanding lead indicate that he is on track to clinch the 2025 IndyCar championship, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
“It’s been an awesome weekend, awesome year overall,”
Palou stated.
“Yeah, today was something else. It was super fun to be here, one of my favorite tracks for sure. Couldn’t be happier right now.”
—Alex Palou, IndyCar champion contender
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did McLaren sue Alex Palou over $47.5 million contract dispute?
A. McLaren breaks a 26-year title drought. IndyCar champion Alex Palou needs to travel to London after the Daytona 24-hour race. He has to participate in mediation with McLaren. The team is suing him for at least $47.5 million over a contract issue.
