Alex Palou wins thrilling IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg

The 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with an exhilarating showdown at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing emerged victorious, marking his first win at this prestigious event. Palou led for a significant portion of the race, taking control on Lap 74 and finishing strong ahead of his teammate, Scott Dixon, who faced challenges due to lost radio communication. Dixon, a six-time champion, is still pursuing his first victory at St. Pete, while Josef Newgarden, who won last year's race, claimed third place this time around.

The event drew an impressive crowd of approximately 200,000 fans, underscoring the excitement and interest in IndyCar racing. Chip Ganassi, celebrating 35 years as a team owner, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, especially given past struggles at this track. Palou's win sets a strong precedent for his ambition of a third consecutive championship title. The race highlighted the competitiveness of the IndyCar series, as the top three drivers collectively hold 100 career wins. With the season now underway, fans can anticipate an exciting year ahead.