The 51st running of the Grand Prix of Long Beach delivered a curious blend of strategic intrigue and on-track stagnation, as Alex Palou claimed victory while debate simmered over the spectacle itself.
Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou secured his third win of the 2026 season—his first on the iconic Californian street circuit—thanks less to outright overtaking brilliance and more to clinical execution in the pit lane. The reigning champion ultimately finished just under four seconds clear of Felix Rosenqvist, who had dominated much of the race from pole position.
Despite the result, the contest raised questions about race dynamics, with limited overtaking and strategy dictating much of the order. Below is a closer look at the key winners and losers from a race that hinged on fine margins rather than wheel-to-wheel combat.
Winners and losers overview
| Category | Name | Outcome | Key factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | #10 Ganassi pit crew | Race-defining | Fast final stop gained track position |
| Loser | Spectacle quality | Underwhelming | Limited overtaking, strategy-led race |
| Winner | Felix Rosenqvist | Career boost | Strong pace, 51 laps led |
| Loser | Josef Newgarden | Strategy undone | Caution neutralised three-stop gamble |
Winner: Ganassi’s pit crew precision
Palou’s triumph owed much to the flawless work of his crew. Trailing Rosenqvist by nearly three seconds before a late caution, the Spaniard appeared unlikely to challenge on merit alone. However, the neutralisation bunched the field and set the stage for the decisive moment.
A sharply executed final stop allowed the Ganassi crew to release Palou ahead of Rosenqvist, effectively deciding the race. From there, clean air enabled him to control proceedings and extend a comfortable margin—underscoring the critical role of pit execution in modern IndyCar Series racing.
Loser: The show itself
For spectators, the race proved less compelling. Genuine on-track overtaking among the frontrunners was scarce, with most positional changes occurring during pit cycles rather than through direct competition.
Even seasoned figures such as Scott Dixon described the event as “blah”, while Graham Rahal suggested revisiting race length to encourage more aggressive strategies. The lack of variation left the contest feeling processional—an uncommon criticism of a series typically praised for its close racing.
Winner: Rosenqvist’s resurgence
Though denied victory, Rosenqvist emerged as one of the weekend’s strongest performers. Leading a race-high 51 laps, the Swede demonstrated pace and control that had been absent in the opening rounds of the season.
Prior to Long Beach, he had failed to crack the top ten, making this runner-up finish a significant turning point. It propels him back into contention and restores confidence within his camp.
Loser: Josef Newgarden
Few drivers injected as much energy into the race as Newgarden. Opting for an aggressive three-stop strategy, the Team Penske driver was one of the rare competitors actively attempting overtakes.
However, a mistimed move led to tyre damage, and the subsequent caution eliminated any strategic advantage. Ultimately, he finished 14th—precisely where he had started—illustrating how quickly bold plans can unravel.
