After a week of smooth practices and qualifying, things took a dramatic turn on Monday. Alexander Rossi, who had just secured his best qualifying spot for the Indy 500, experienced a serious crash during practice.
While exiting Turn 2, Rossi lost control of his car, slamming into the wall. The No. 20 ECR Chevrolet lifted off the ground and spun before landing back on its wheels. In a bid to avoid him, Pato O’Ward also spun out and collided with Rossi’s car, causing heavy damage to both vehicles. Romain Grosjean narrowly avoided them but crashed while trying to steer clear, hitting the wall on the backstretch.
Another look at the incident that involved Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward and Romain Grosjean. pic.twitter.com/Qnfik2GewK
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 18, 2026
Rossi’s Condition
O’Ward and Grosjean were checked quickly and released from the medical center. Rossi, on the other hand, was seen limping after exiting his car. IndyCar’s medical director, Dr. Julia Vaizer, later reported that Rossi was awake, alert, and in good spirits but would be taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Driver Reactions
O’Ward shared his perspective: “I saw Rossi spinning; it’s hard to stop these cars in the middle of a corner.” He expressed sympathy for those tasked with repairing both cars.
Grosjean, who didn’t actually hit anyone but crashed while avoiding the chaos, emphasized the importance of safety. He remarked, “The most important thing is that everyone is okay. Car repairs will take time, but we just want to get back out there.” He also noted the high G-forces experienced when avoiding the crash. “Shit happens,” he added, showing a mix of humor and pragmatism.
Amid the turmoil, Josef Newgarden managed to post the fastest speed of the day before storms rolled in, prematurely ending the practice session.
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of motorsports. A recent study reveals that about 10% of IndyCar drivers will experience a crash during their careers, underscoring the risks they face each race day. With safety measures improving over the years, it’s a testament to the skills and resilience of these drivers.
As fans watch from the stands and screens, they remain hopeful for Rossi’s quick recovery and the high-stakes action that IndyCar promises. For more updates on driver safety protocols, check out the latest from the [IndyCar official site](https://www.indycar.com).
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