Palou Dominates Again at Laguna Seca, Edges Closer to Third Straight IndyCar Title
Alex Palou once again proved why WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is his personal playground, delivering a masterclass performance in Sunday’s Java House Grand Prix of Monterey to claim his eighth win of the 2025 IndyCar season.
Starting from pole position, the DHL Chip Ganassi Racing star led 84 of the 95 laps, cruising to victory on the 11-turn, 2.238-mile California road course for the second year in a row—and the third time in four seasons. His commanding drive stretched his lead in the championship standings to 121 points over closest rival Pato O’Ward, with just three races remaining.
“This weekend has been incredible,” Palou said. “Laguna Seca is one of my favorite tracks, and the team gave me an amazing car. I couldn’t be happier.”
Closing in on History
Palou’s eighth victory of the year places him in elite company. Only three drivers in INDYCAR history—A.J. Foyt (10 wins in 1964), Al Unser (10 in 1970), and Mario Andretti (9 in 1969)—have won more races in a single season. Palou now joins the likes of Sebastien Bourdais (2007) as one of only six drivers to hit the eight-win mark in a season.
The triumph also marks the 19th career victory for the 28-year-old Spaniard in just 95 starts—making him one of the sport’s most efficient race winners. He now ranks 24th on the all-time wins list.
Race Recap: Controlled Chaos
Palou’s only relinquishment of the lead came during pit stop cycles. Arrow McLaren rookie Nolan Siegel briefly led, notching the first 11 laps led of his career. Team Penske’s Will Power was also momentarily ahead during stops but pitted before officially leading a lap.
Palou’s final margin of victory was 3.7965 seconds, though he often held a lead much larger than that. His average finish at Laguna Seca is now 1.6, the best for any driver on any current track.
Behind Palou, Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren) claimed second place after an aggressive move on Colton Herta (Andretti Global w/ Curb-Agajanian) in the final corner. Herta held on for third to round out the podium.
Early Drama and Late Cautions
The race started with a pair of incidents on the opening lap. Conor Daly and rookie Robert Shwartzman tangled in Turn 3, sending the latter into the gravel. In Turn 6, Kyffin Simpson collided with Felix Rosenqvist, sending both into the barriers.
Later, Dale Coyne Racing’s Jacob Abel suffered a mechanical failure and missed Turn 1 completely, while a separate collision between Kyle Kirkwood and Rinus VeeKay ended Kirkwood’s championship chances with a penalty.
Two late caution periods—triggered by Marcus Ericsson and Santino Ferrucci spinning off—briefly closed the field, but Palou maintained control to the checkered flag.
What’s Next
The series now enters a brief break before returning for the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland on Sunday, August 10, where Palou could all but seal his third consecutive championship and fourth in five seasons.
With a record-setting season within reach, Palou is rewriting the INDYCAR record books—one dominant weekend at a time.
written by Philipp Kraus / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment