The big question in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as the 2025 season began was how to stop Alex Palou’s winning streak. Even after the first race in St. Petersburg, the answer remains elusive.
Palou kicked off his quest for a third straight championship in style, winning the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg by 2.867 seconds. He drove the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda with a mix of smart strategy, speed, and patience. His teammate, Scott Dixon, who has won six championships, battled through the final laps without radio communication in his No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
“Everyone did an amazing job this weekend,” said Palou. “I told you yesterday we had a really fast car.” After more than four months since the last race, he was glad to be back in Victory Lane.
Palou, who started eighth, celebrated his twelfth win in the series. The Ganassi team achieved a 1-2 finish, marking their first since July 2023.
Two-time champion Josef Newgarden grabbed the last podium spot in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet, just getting passed by Dixon on the final lap. Scott McLaughlin, who won the NTT P1 Award, finished fourth in the No. 3 DEX Imaging Team Penske Chevrolet. Kyle Kirkwood rounded out the top five at his home race in the No. 27 Chili’s Honda.
Palou took the lead on Lap 75 after Felix Rosenqvist made his final pit stop. The race featured various strategies, especially during the one caution period when many drivers, including Palou and Dixon, swapped tires.
What helped Palou gain the lead wasn’t just luck. He expertly handled his pit stop on Lap 72 and got back onto the track ahead of Dixon, who was slowed by traffic.
Dixon noted, “We were flying blind out there,” referring to his radio issues. He acknowledged losing valuable time in traffic, which allowed Palou to open up his lead.
After taking the lead, Palou managed to fend off challenges from Newgarden and Dixon. He pulled away by lapping a slower car, allowing him to create enough distance to secure the win.
Newgarden expressed that they had a capable car but faced issues with pit strategy and traffic toward the end of the race.
Defending champion Pato O’Ward made an impressive drive from 23rd to finish 11th, showcasing his skill and strategy.
The next race is at The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix on March 23 in Thermal, California. Fans can tune in at 3 p.m. ET on FOX or through the INDYCAR Radio Network.
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