Alex Palou’s legendary 2025 season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES set new benchmarks as he nearly reached historic records while delivering dominant performances across America’s top open-wheel championship. Throughout this remarkable campaign, Palou’s pursuit of a fourth championship and legendary names such as A.J. Foyt and Al Unser became the cornerstone storylines resonating with fans and insiders alike.
Challenging the Legends of INDYCAR
Entering 2025, Palou aimed not only for another championship title but also sought to chase the monumental record of ten single-season race wins set by A.J. Foyt and equaled by Al Unser in 1970. Early in the season, Palou surged ahead, with his victory at the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge marking his fifth win in just six starts. Adding to his tally, he secured a sixth win at Road America by the ninth race, positioning himself tantalizingly close to the longstanding single-season record.
The quest for a ninth triumph included a dramatic moment at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Despite leading, Palou’s late-race slip enabled his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon to overtake him, delaying his record pursuit. Nonetheless, Palou responded with impressive wins at Iowa Speedway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, capturing victory from pole position in both events. These performances propelled Palou within striking distance of the all-time record going into the season’s final stretch.
Incredible Consistency to Secure the Title
While the final three races saw Palou finishing third, second, and second, the magnitude of his season remained undiminished. With an eighth win, Palou tied for third-most in a single INDYCAR season and clinched the coveted Astor Challenge Cup with two races still left on the calendar—a feat not seen since Cristiano da Matta achieved it in 2002.
Palou’s four INDYCAR SERIES championships now tie him with iconic drivers Mario Andretti, Sebastien Bourdais, and Dario Franchitti. Only Foyt, with seven titles, and Dixon, with six, stand ahead in the all-time records. This finish solidified Palou’s position among the greatest competitors in series history.
“I say all the time, we’re spoiled,”
said team owner Chip Ganassi.
“I’m spoiled with Palou and (Dixon) and Franchitti. It spoils me.”
– Chip Ganassi, Team Owner
Historic Feats for Chip Ganassi Racing
The 2025 championship marked Chip Ganassi Racing’s 17th series title, matching the total held by Team Penske. Palou followed in the footsteps of Franchitti, who was the last driver to claim three consecutive series championships and to win both the Indianapolis 500 and season crown in the same year—a mark last set by Franchitti in 2010 and now achieved by Palou this season.
“Every single weekend it was getting better and better,”
said Palou, reflecting on the campaign that raised his career wins to 19.
“We’ve won so many races. We won the ‘500.’ The feeling you get after winning that race, (it’s) an explosion of amazing feelings. People keep reminding you about that every single day when you wake up, which makes it feel even more special.”
– Alex Palou, INDYCAR Driver
Statistics of a Remarkable Season
With eight wins in the year and starting among the top six drivers in 15 of 17 races, Palou demonstrated an outstanding level of consistency. His average grid position was an impressive 3.3, and he captured six NTT P1 Awards, matching his total from his previous five seasons combined. Palou began eight races from the front row, further demonstrating his qualifying strength and race-day performance.
The 2025 season concluded with Palou finishing 196 points ahead of Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward in the standings, reflecting the most dominant gap seen since Sebastien Bourdais’s championship run from 2004 to 2007.
The Impact of Palou’s 2025 Dominance
Alex Palou’s legendary 2025 season elevated both his individual legacy and Chip Ganassi Racing’s standing in open-wheel racing history. By tying championship legends, nearly breaking records, and redefining on-track excellence, Palou’s campaign stands as one of the most significant in recent INDYCAR memory. With records matched, new milestones achieved, and an unwavering drive, Palou has positioned himself as an enduring figure in the series, reshaping expectations and leaving an indelible mark for years to come.
