Alex Palou, the Chip Ganassi Racing star and three-time IndyCar champion, has shared his winning formula for conquering the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) road course in a detailed video on the IndyCar YouTube channel. Uploaded on May 7, 2025, the video takes fans on a simulator lap around the circuit, where Palou breaks down the track’s complexities and highlights why overtaking is extremely difficult there. Coming into the Sonsio Grand Prix as the championship leader, Palou carried momentum from three wins in the first four races of the 2025 IndyCar season and recent strong performances on this exact circuit.
Known for his excellent record at IMS, Palou has won the last two Sonsio Grand Prix events, demonstrating his skill and strategic approach to this challenging road course. Speaking in the video, he described the IMS circuit as a rollercoaster, where varying strategies intertwine to deliver exciting and unpredictable racing. Palou’s guided lap around the track in the simulator revealed detailed sections that require precise handling and highlighted overtaking spots, which remain few and difficult to capitalize on during races.
As he reached the tricky Turn 8, 9, and 10 sequence, Palou explained that cornering while closely following other cars becomes a major challenge. This difficulty significantly reduces overtaking opportunities, making track position crucial. His explanation not only illustrated the physical demands of the circuit but also shed light on why drivers who can dominate the track, like Palou, maintain an edge during race day.
This strategic insight was followed by a review of his recent season performances to reinforce his expertise. At the season opener in St. Petersburg, Palou started eighth on the grid but fought through to win the race by a narrow margin after an intense battle with Josef Newgarden. The Thermal Club race saw an even more commanding victory, where Palou overtook the leading Arrow McLaren drivers Christian Lundgaard and Pato O’Ward, finishing over 10 seconds ahead. Meanwhile, the Long Beach race was a hard-fought stalemate, where Palou finished second behind Andretti Global’s Kirkwood after several attacks, maintaining a podium spot.
Palou’s dominance continued at Barber, where he started from pole position, led 81 of 90 laps, and finished with a 16-second advantage over Lundgaard. These consistent top finishes have extended Palou’s lead in the championship standings, where he currently holds 196 points — 60 points clear of Lundgaard in second place.
As the 2025 IndyCar season progresses, Palou’s command of the IMS road course serves as a prime example of how skill, strategy, and precise execution can overcome the circuit’s challenges. His insights from the simulator lap not only provide fans a detailed look into his winning methods but also underscore the difficulty of overtaking on this demanding track, making his formula a key to future success. With such a strong lead, all eyes will remain on Alex Palou as he aims to continue his winning streak and secure another championship title.
