Santino Ferrucci’s Remarkable Climb from Last to 11th made him the Biggest Mover in Long Beach
In a display of tenacity and skill, Santino Ferrucci transformed a challenging start into a commendable finish at the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Beginning the race from the 27th and final position on the grid, Ferrucci piloted his No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet through the field to secure an 11th-place finish, marking the most significant advancement of any driver in the race.
The journey to this achievement was not without its hurdles. A misstep during the qualifying session relegated Ferrucci to the back of the starting lineup. Reflecting on the incident, he acknowledged, „Qualifying was my fault… I made a mistake. They’re not common, but I pigeonholed ourselves into starting dead last.“
Undeterred, Ferrucci approached the race with determination, relying on strategic pit stops and consistent driving to navigate the tight and unforgiving street circuit. The race’s unique nature—running caution-free for its entirety—meant that every overtaking opportunity had to be earned without the advantage of safety car periods. Ferrucci remarked on the intensity, stating, „I didn’t have a fuel-save race. I was flat out for 90 laps, so I’m a little worn out.“
His performance not only showcased his driving prowess but also highlighted the collaborative effort of his team. The coordination between Ferrucci and his pit crew was instrumental in executing timely strategies that facilitated his ascent through the ranks.
This race serves as a testament to Ferrucci’s resilience and the potential of the AJ Foyt Racing team. As the season progresses, such performances lay a solid foundation for his ambitions to secure a good result in the championship standings. Last year he was able to pull out a TOP 10 Finish. This season wasn’t on the same Level yet, but still a long way to go until the final flag falls in September.
Philipp Kraus
