Alex Palou claims fifth IndyCar title in record time: “It just feels like we started yesterday”

In a remarkable display of consistency and skill, 29-year-old Spanish driver Alex Palou has clinched his fifth IndyCar championship title in just six years. The Spaniard, racing for Chip Ganassi Racing, achieved this feat with a race to spare at The Milwaukee Mile. Palou admitted that the magnitude of his achievement has not fully sunk in, stating that it is difficult to put into words.

He expressed his gratitude towards his team, race strategist Barry Wanser, and team owner Chip Ganassi for giving him the opportunity to become a race winner, a champion, and now a five-time champion. Palou's unprecedented run contrasts with the records set by open-wheel legends, as he achieved this milestone in half the time it took A.J.

Foyt and Scott Dixon to accomplish the same. At 29, Palou is also the youngest five-time champion in series history and the first to achieve four consecutive championships since reunification in 2008. His 2026 season stats include six wins, eight poles, seven podiums, 12 top-fives, and 673 laps led across 17 races, contributing to Chip Ganassi Racing's record as the all-time winningest team in IndyCar history.

Chip Ganassi emphasized the importance of organizational stability and the impact of the people around Palou in his unprecedented run.