MONTEREY, Calif. — Two-time IndyCar champion Álex Palou reclaimed the lead in the championship standings in thrilling fashion by clinching victory from pole position at Laguna Seca Raceway on Sunday.
Palou, who has now become a two-time winner on the permanent road course, impressively secured podium finishes in all four of his career starts at the renowned California track. His win in the 2022 season finale at Laguna Seca was believed to be a pivotal moment, sparking his decision to reconsider leaving Chip Ganassi Racing for a potential move to Arrow McLaren Racing.
This triumph marks Palou's second victory of the season, further boosting his championship standing. It’s important to note that this tally does not include his win in the $1 million exhibition race held in March.
Top Finishers and Highlights
Colton Herta secured second place for Andretti Global, showing strong performance and skill throughout the race. Meanwhile, Alexander Rossi clinched third place, earning his first podium finish of the season and only his second since joining Arrow McLaren.
Romain Grosjean also stood out with a commendable finish in fourth place, marking his best result since joining Juncos Hollinger Racing earlier this year. This achievement represented the best finish ever for a JHR driver.
Kyle Kirkwood from Andretti finished in fifth place, followed by Scott Dixon of Ganassi in sixth, and Will Power of Team Penske in seventh. Before Sunday's race, Power had a slender five-point lead over Palou in the standings.
Arrow McLaren Debut for Nolan Siegel
In his debut for Arrow McLaren, 19-year-old Palo Alto native Nolan Siegel had a mixed day on the track. Siegel, who was recently hired to fill the seat, experienced a setback when he spun off the track and into the gravel, instigating a full-course caution during a restart midway through the race. Despite this, he managed to finish the race in 12th place.
Siegel is the third different driver in the No. 6 car this season. This role was initially earmarked for Palou, who opted against joining McLaren in a breach of contract dispute. Consequently, the team hired David Malukas, but Malukas broke his wrist in a mountain biking accident a month before the season opener. After missing the fourth race of the season, a clause in Malukas' contract allowed McLaren to release him, leading to Siegel's recruitment as the full-time replacement this week.
David Malukas' Return
David Malukas made his season debut on Sunday after being hired by Meyer Shank Racing. He managed to finish in 16th place. Prior to the race, there were concerns regarding his physical fitness and ability to complete the grueling 95-lap contest.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty surrounding his return, Malukas' participation on the track was a testament to his determination and resilience.
The Laguna Seca race was thrilling and packed with excitement, as drivers navigated the demanding course with skill and precision. Álex Palou's victory not only underscores his talent but also sets the stage for a captivating championship battle as the season progresses. All eyes will be on the upcoming races to see if Palou can maintain his lead in the standings or if new contenders will emerge to challenge his dominance.
Laguna Seca once again proved itself to be a vital battleground in the IndyCar series, offering fans a showcase of high-speed action, strategic maneuvering, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by some of the most skilled drivers in the world.