Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix: Palou Dominates for Third Victory of the Season
BIRMINGHAM, AL — In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing secured his third victory of the 2025 IndyCar Series at the Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix on Sunday. The event, featuring a 90-lap race around the 2.3-mile road course, unfolded without a single caution, highlighting Palou’s unmatched pace from the start.
Palou, who started on pole, maintained his lead for nearly the entire race, only relinquishing it briefly during pit stops. His performance showcased an impressive strategic transition from alternate to primary tires, further extending his lead—a margin that ultimately swelled to over 12 seconds. Remarkably, Palou clocked a fastest race lap of 1:10.3 on harder tires, outpacing competitors on softer compounds.
Race Results:
- Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda)
- Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet)
- Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske, Chevrolet)
- Rinus VeeKay (Dale Coyne Racing, Honda)
- Will Power (Team Penske, Chevrolet)
Lundgaard demonstrated strategic prowess by overtaking both his teammates early in the race and securing a second-place finish, marking his third consecutive podium. McLaughlin, the two-time defending champion of the event, settled for third as he struggled to keep pace with the leading duo.
Palou’s success further solidified Honda’s stronghold on the season, marking the manufacturer’s fourth consecutive victory. This continues a trend of full-green racing in the series, with 300 straight laps completed without a caution thus far.
The lack of interruptions meant fewer opportunities for strategical restarts, playing into the hands of the front-runners. Adverse weather remained absent, with cooler temperatures contributing to optimal racing conditions.
As the series progresses, Palou’s ability to maintain his remarkable form could prove decisive for the championship standings. Following Sunday’s race, he leads the field with significant momentum.
Key Insights:
- Palou’s strategic adaptability on tire selection proved critical against competitors, particularly during his second stint, where he significantly increased his lead despite the expected advantage of competitors on fresher tires.
- Lundgaard’s strong start emphasized the growing competitiveness of Arrow McLaren, hinting at potential threats to the dominant Chip Ganassi team as the season unfolds.
- Pit lane performance significantly impacted the race, with several teams experiencing delays. Most notably, Colton Herta, who appeared set for a podium, fell to seventh due to a slow pit stop.
With the next round of the IndyCar Series approaching, all eyes will be on whether Palou can extend his winning streak and further solidify his position as the championship frontrunner.
