Alex Palou crashes in Markham qualifying after rare IndyCar mistake

Reigning and four-time IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou crashed out during qualifying for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on Saturday, marking a rare mistake for the Spaniard. Leading the 2026 IndyCar standings, Palou set the fastest lap in the second segment of qualifying at 1m13.8s, but hit the wall and crashed into the runoff area in Turn 10 seconds later.

The incident resulted in damage to the right-front and left rear of his #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, and Palou was dropped to 12th in the session. Palou took full responsibility for the error, stating he lost control and overpushed into Turn 10. Despite finishing 12th, Palou will start 11th in the race after Alexander Rossi received a six-spot grid penalty for an unapproved engine change.

Palou remains optimistic about his chances, citing his car's inherent pace as his primary asset for the race.

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