Alex Palou has further cemented his growing legacy in the IndyCar Series, declaring his recent triumph at the Grand Prix of Long Beach as one of the finest victories of his career.
The reigning four-time champion secured his maiden Long Beach win in commanding fashion, marking his third victory of the 2026 season and the 22nd of an already illustrious career. In doing so, Palou joined an elite group of just 14 drivers to have conquered both Long Beach and the Indianapolis 500—a distinction shared with legends such as Mario Andretti, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Al Unser Jr..
Reflecting on the significance of the result, the 29-year-old admitted it ranks among his most cherished achievements. While he continues to place his Indianapolis 500 victory at the pinnacle, Palou acknowledged that Long Beach comfortably sits within his personal top three.
“It’s difficult to compare wins,” Palou explained. “Every single one means something special, but this one is certainly right up there.”
Palou’s 2026 Season Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Races Completed | 6 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Career Wins | 22 |
| Team | Chip Ganassi Racing |
| Notable Achievement | Indy 500 & Long Beach winner |
Palou’s rise has been closely intertwined with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he has flourished since joining in 2021. Under the guidance of strategist Barry Wanser, the No. 10 crew has consistently executed at the highest level—particularly evident during the decisive pit stops at Long Beach that vaulted Palou into the lead.
Wanser was quick to underline the collective effort behind the team’s continued success, emphasising that victories at this level are hard-earned rather than inevitable. “There is an enormous amount of work behind every result,” he noted. “Nothing in IndyCar comes easily.”
Despite his dominance in recent seasons, Palou remains grounded, insisting that neither he nor the team take their achievements for granted. The competitive depth of the IndyCar grid—where fractions of a second can separate the field—demands constant precision and adaptability.
Beyond the statistics, the Long Beach victory arrives at a pivotal moment in the calendar. With the Indianapolis 500 Open Test looming and the famed “Month of May” fast approaching, momentum could prove invaluable. Palou himself acknowledged the psychological edge that success brings, not only for the driver but for the entire organisation.
“Momentum is huge,” he said. “It builds confidence across the whole team—from the engineers to the pit crew. Those high-pressure moments prepare you for what’s coming next.”
Having swept both the Indianapolis road course and the Indianapolis 500 in the previous season, Palou now enters this crucial phase as the driver to beat once again. If current form is any indication, his Long Beach triumph may not only rank among his best—it could also serve as a springboard for even greater achievements in the weeks ahead.
