Though it has not been surprising in recent years to see Álex Palou stand on the top step of the podium, in just two races in the 2025 NTT IndyCar season, he’s proven himself a head above the rest.
The Spanish racing driver has been destined for success in the IndyCar series since he joined the Chip Ganassi Racing team in 2021. On his debut season with the team he took his maiden victory and then maiden title in IndyCar. Becoming a champion in just his second year in the sport.
Since then, very few challenges have been able to stop Palou. He stormed to take a second title in 2023, where he became the first driver since 2007 to win the title before the season finale. Then he repeated it in 2024 – despite only having three wins, all of which were in the first half of the season.
His ability to be consistent has been a vital driving force behind his success. Especially in series where things can so easily go wrong.
But in 2025, he has already displayed an impressive level. This has positioned him a notch above the rest of the field just two rounds in.
St. Pete
In St. Pete, Palou reminded fans why he can never be counted out. The reigning champ missed out on the fast six, lining up on the grid eighth. However, in IndyCar, as drivers prove time and time again, anything can happen.
The Spaniard bided his time, staying out of trouble that was unfolding further down the grid. He put trust in the strategy his team chose, and when the opportunity appeared, He took it. On Lap 75, he moved into the lead and it was over for the rest of the grid from there. Palou was untouchable.
Taking victory in the first race of the season was a confidence boost for the talented driver looking to defend his title and he admitted at the time, “You always go through a weekend wanting to win, never expecting to win but maybe expecting to fight.”
The win at St.Pete was unexpected for Palou, with a strike of luck when his teammate Scott Dixon’s radio wasn’t working and he headed into the pits a lap after Palou. But in Palou’s own words, it takes a lot of factors coming to together to pull off a win in the incredibly competitive series that is IndyCar.
“There’s so much stuff that needs to go right in order to win an IndyCar race: all the pit stops, your tyre mileage, also fuel mileage. There’s so much stuff that needs to go right that it’s tough to get it.”
But Palou wasn’t done impressing everyone.
Thermal Club
In 2024, Álex Palou dominated the Thermal Club. Now, in 2025, championship points were on the line, and Palou was looking for a repeat performance.
Unfortunately for him it seemed as though the Arrow McLaren’s of Pato O’ward and Christian Lungaard were faster. With O’ward taking pole position and his teammate lining up beside him.
But once again, Palou is not a driver who is going to be rushed and lose his cool. Starting in third with his success around Thermal, a potential win was absolutely on the cards. He remained steadily behind the McLarens for the first stint in the race. He focused on managing his tyres and overall pace.
Lungaard and Palou battled viciously on Lap 50 and Palou but all of his experience to the test to get past the first Mclaren. The other McLaren? 9.5 seconds down the road. The pursuit of victory pushed the Spaniard forward, around a track he’s shown dominance at before, desperate to show it again.
Just three laps later, Palou had wrestled the gap down to two seconds, and on Lap 56, the Spaniard breezed past the McLaren. Palou knows that it doesn’t matter who leads the most laps, just who’s ahead into the final corner.
The last driver to win both opening races was Palou’s teammate. Scott Dixon and Dixon then went on to win the championship in 2020. Now Palou will hope to do the same.
Palou’s determination
It is not hard to see why Palou is once again becoming the driver to beat in the 2025 IndyCar season. His calm, calculated way of approaching every race weekend seems unshakeable. His confidence is based on a proven belief that time and time again he can win.
Palou is constantly striving to do better, and ahead of the season, he told media, “I would say every sport, if you don’t change just because it’s been successful, they’ll catch up really, really quick.”
“Obviously, I’m not going to go crazy and change all my stuff. But I’m trying to change some stuff – physically, mentally and the way I drive. Hopefully I can push myself in areas that I’ve been struggling the past season.”
With two near-perfect performances already under his belt in 2025. It is not hard to see why he’s quickly emerging as the driver to beat for the 2025 NTT IndyCar season. Anything can happen in an IndyCar season, but Palou’s success seems undeniable if he continues in his current form.
